mandible
/'mændibl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
A paleontologist carefully examines the mandible of a fossilized dinosaur skull.
Definition
- Noun:
- The lower jawbone in vertebrates: The mandible is the bone that forms the lower jaw and is typically the only movable bone of the skull.
- A jaw-like structure in invertebrates: In some insects and arthropods, the mandible is a paired appendage used for biting and cutting food.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The impact fractured his mandible. (The impact broke his lower jawbone.)
- In humans, the mandible holds the lower teeth.
- The beetle uses its strong mandibles to crush seeds.
Advanced Usage
- "Mandible" in medical/scientific contexts: The term is precise and used in anatomy, zoology, and paleontology.
- The fossil's mandible provided clues about the dinosaur's diet.
- "Mandible" vs. "jaw": While "jaw" is a general term, "mandible" specifically refers to the bone structure, especially the lower one.
Variants and Related Words
- Mandibular (adj): Relating to the mandible.
- The mandibular nerve provides sensation to the lower jaw.
- Maxilla (n): The bone that forms the upper jaw. (This is a related but distinct anatomical term.)
Synonyms
- Lower jaw
- Jawbone (though this can refer to either jaw)
- Inferior maxillary bone (technical)
Related Phrases
(Note: "Mandible" is a specific anatomical term and does not commonly form phrasal verbs or idioms in everyday language.)
A paleontologist carefully examines the mandible of a fossilized dinosaur skull.
Noun
- the jaw in vertebrates that is hinged to open the mouth