Definition

1. Noun:
   • The arch of bone beneath the eye that forms the prominence of the cheek: The zygomatic bone is a paired facial bone that forms the prominent part of the cheek and the lateral wall and floor of the eye socket (orbit). It articulates with the maxilla, temporal, sphenoid, and frontal bones.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The forensic anthropologist identified the skull in part by examining the distinctive shape of the zygomatic bone.
  • A severe impact to the face can result in a fracture of the zygomatic bone.

Advanced Usage

• "Zygomatic arch": This is the bony arch formed by the union of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and the temporal process of the zygomatic bone. It is a key anatomical landmark.
  • The masseter muscle, important for chewing, passes beneath the zygomatic arch.

Variants and Related Words

• Zygoma (n): A term often used synonymously with the zygomatic bone or, more specifically, the zygomatic arch.
  • The zygoma was fractured in the accident.
• Malar bone (n): An older, less common synonym for the zygomatic bone.
• Cheekbone (n): A common, non-technical term for the zygomatic bone, referring to its prominent location.

Synonyms

• Cheekbone: The common, layperson's term.
• Malar bone: An anatomical synonym.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Zygomatic process (n): A bony projection. Several bones (e.g., temporal bone, maxilla) have a zygomatic process that articulates with the zygomatic bone.
  • The zygomatic process of the temporal bone is a crucial part of the arch.
• Zygomaticofacial foramen (n): A small opening on the surface of the zygomatic bone for nerves and blood vessels.

Noun

1. the arch of bone beneath the eye that forms the prominence of the cheek