ptere / tear / tier [ti:r]
ptere - n. Zool. – a wing-like lobe of some sponge spicules
tear – n. – salty liquid drops secreted by the lacrimal glands by the eyes
Do Not Confuse With tear [tɜr] - n. & v. – n. a rip, a break caused by pulling apart (usually uneven); v. rip or pull apart
tier – n. – a layer in a series of layers such as for a cake, or an organization