maxilla

maxilla Definition

max·illa (mak sil′ə)

noun pl. maxillae -·lae (-ē)

in vertebrates, the upper jaw, or a major bone or cartilage of the upper jaw
in most arthropods, as insects or crabs, one of the first or second pair of accessory jaws or head appendages situated just behind the mandibles

Etymology: L, dim., akin to mala, a jaw

maxilla Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

narrow: She had a very narrow maxilla: four premolars had been removed at age 12 for crowded teeth.

Browse dictionary entries near maxilla