mandible

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From late Middle English, from Late Latin mandibula (a jaw), from mandō (to chew, masticate) + -bula (instrument noun suffix).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈmæn.dɪb.əl/
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -ændɪbəl

Noun

mandible (plural mandibles)

  1. (anatomy, zootomy)
    1. The jaw or a jawbone, especially the lower jawbone in mammals and fishes.
      Synonyms: dentary, dentary bone, inferior maxillary bone, jawbone, lower jaw, submaxilla
      Coordinate term: maxilla
    2. Either of the upper and lower segments of a bird's beak.
    3. Any of various invertebrate mouthparts serving to hold or bite food materials.
      1. One of the anterior pair of mouthparts of an arthropod, designed for holding and cutting food.

Derived terms

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References

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