cheek-bone

A young woman has high cheek-bones.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Anatomical structure: "cheek-bone" refers to the bone that forms the prominence of the cheek, specifically the zygomatic bone. It is located beneath the eye socket and extends toward the ear, contributing to the shape and structure of the face.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She has high, prominent cheek-bones that give her face a striking appearance. (The zygomatic bones are noticeably raised.)
  • The boxer suffered a fracture to his left cheek-bone during the match. (The bone under his eye was broken.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have high cheek-bones": to possess a facial structure where the cheek-bones are particularly elevated and visible.

  • Models often have high cheek-bones, which create dramatic shadows in photographs. (The prominent zygomatic bones enhance facial contours.)

• "cheek-bone structure": the overall arrangement and shape of the cheek-bones in a person's face.

  • Her cheek-bone structure is considered very symmetrical and attractive. (The arrangement of her zygomatic bones is aesthetically pleasing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cheekbone (n): a single-word variant of "cheek-bone," referring to the same anatomical structure.

  • He has a prominent cheekbone on the right side of his face. (The zygomatic bone is noticeable.)

• Zygomatic (adj): relating to the cheek-bone.

  • The zygomatic arch is the bridge connecting the cheek-bone to the temporal bone. (The arch of the cheek-bone.)

Synonyms

• Zygomatic bone: the technical anatomical term for the cheek-bone.
• Malar bone: an older or alternative term for the cheek-bone, derived from Latin.

Related Idioms

• "to have a cheek-bone to pick with someone": a humorous play on the idiom "to have a bone to pick with someone," meaning to have a grievance or issue to discuss.

  • I have a cheek-bone to pick with you — you broke my sunglasses! (A lighthearted way to express annoyance.)

• "cheek-bone deep": a non-standard idiom meaning that something is deeply ingrained or affecting one's facial expression.

  • Her smile was cheek-bone deep, reaching every part of her face. (Her genuine smile involved her entire facial structure.)