Jaw Definition

jaws
noun
jaws
Either of the two bones or bony parts that hold the teeth and frame the mouth in most vertebrates: the mandible (lower jaw) is usually hinged and movable, the maxilla (upper jaw) is usually not.
Webster's New World
The lower of these bony parts, or the portion of the face covering it.
Webster's New World
Any of various analogous biting structures of invertebrates.
Webster's New World
The mouth.
Webster's New World
Either of two mechanical parts that open and close to grip or crush something, as in a monkey wrench or vise.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
verb
jaws
To talk vociferously; jabber.
American Heritage
To talk, esp. in a boring or abusive way.
Webster's New World
To scold or reprove, esp. repeatedly.
Webster's New World
To talk; converse.
American Heritage
Wiktionary
Antonyms:

Other Word Forms of Jaw

Noun

Singular:
jaw
Plural:
jaws

Origin of Jaw

  • From Middle English jawe, jowe, geowe, alteration of *chawe (in early Modern English chawe, chaw), from Proto-Germanic *kawǭ (compare Middle Dutch kauwe (“fish jaw”), kouwe (“mouth cavity”), dialectal German Käu, Keu (“jaw, donkey jowl”)), gradation-variant of *kewǭ (compare Old English cīan (pl.) ‘gills’, West Frisian kiuw ‘gill’, Dutch kieuw ‘gill’), noun from Proto-Germanic *kewwaną (compare English chew). More at chew. Alteration probably influenced by Middle English jolle, chaul (“jowl”), which it replaced (see jowl).

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English jawe, jowe perhaps from Old French joue cheek

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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