English Explanatory Dictionary

maxilla

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Synonym of jaw.
  2. An upper jaw especially of humans and other mammals in which the bony elements are closely fused.
  3. Either of the two bones that lie with one on each side of the upper jaw lateral to the premaxilla and that in higher vertebrates bear most of the teeth.
  4. One of the first or second pair of mouthparts posterior to the mandibles in many arthropods that are used for tasting and manipulating food.

Pronunciation

/mækˈsɪl.ə/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-maxilla.wav

Word forms

maxilla maxillae maxillæ maxillas

Etymology

From Middle English, from Latin māxilla (“the jawbone, jaw”), diminutive of māla (“the cheekbone, jaw”).

Synonyms

jawbone maxillary bone endite

Derived words

endomaxilla hemimaxilla intermaxilla maxillar maxillary maxillate maxillectomy maxilliferous maxilliform maxillo- maxill- premaxilla septomaxilla submaxilla supermaxilla supramaxilla
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