wisdom tooth

Thân thiện

A dentist examines a patient's wisdom tooth.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A molar tooth at the back of the mouth: A "wisdom tooth" is one of the four large, flat teeth located at the very back of the human mouth, two on the top and two on the bottom.
   • The last adult tooth to appear: It is the final set of permanent teeth to emerge, typically during late adolescence or early adulthood.

Usage

• The term "wisdom tooth" is used to refer specifically to these third molars. It is a countable noun.
• It is often discussed in contexts of dentistry, oral surgery, and human development, particularly when these teeth cause problems such as impaction.

Examples

• Noun:
  • My dentist said I need to have my wisdom teeth removed.
  • She felt pain in her jaw when her wisdom tooth started to come in.
  • Not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth.

Advanced Usage

• "Impacted wisdom tooth": A wisdom tooth that fails to fully emerge through the gums, often growing at an angle and becoming trapped. This is a common dental condition.
  • The X-ray showed an impacted wisdom tooth that was pressing against the other molar.

Variants and Related Words

• Wisdom teeth (plural noun): The standard plural form.
  • Most people have their wisdom teeth removed in their late teens.

Synonyms

• Third molar: The technical dental term for a wisdom tooth.
  • The surgeon extracted the problematic third molar.

Different Meanings

• The term "wisdom tooth" has only one primary meaning related to human anatomy. It does not have other common metaphorical or idiomatic meanings. The name originates from the age at which these teeth appear, which is traditionally associated with the onset of maturity and "wisdom."

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of the last 4 teeth on each side of the upper and lower jaw; the last of the permanent teeth to erupt (between ages 16 and 21)