Definition

Noun A cheek pouch is a specialized, expandable, membranous sac located inside the mouth, specifically in the cheek area, of certain animals. It is used primarily for temporarily storing and transporting food.

Usage and Examples

The term is used specifically in zoology and biology to describe an anatomical feature. * Many rodents, such as hamsters, chipmunks, and gophers, have cheek pouches. * The hamster filled its cheek pouches with seeds before returning to its burrow. * Some species of monkeys also possess cheek pouches.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in its literal, biological sense. Figurative use is very rare.
• It can be used descriptively to explain animal behavior: "The cheek pouch allows for efficient foraging."

Variants and Related Words

• Pouch (noun): A general term for a small bag or sack-like structure. A cheek pouch is a specific type of pouch.
• Buccal pouch: A more technical/medical synonym derived from "bucca," the Latin word for cheek.

Synonyms

• Buccal pouch
• Food-storage pouch (descriptive)

Different Meanings

The term cheek pouch has only one primary meaning related to animal anatomy. It is not used idiomatically or with different definitions in standard English.

Noun

1. a membranous pouch inside the mouth of many rodents (as a gopher)