mandible; maxilla; lower jaw
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
mandible; maxilla (second or third pair of feeding organs in arthropods)
technicalTechnical zoological term referring to mouthparts located below the mandibles in insects, crustaceans, and other arthropods.
The maxillae of insects are palp-like and used for grasping and transporting food.
The spider's maxillae have evolved into chelicerae containing poison glands.
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The maxillae of crustaceans vary greatly in form and are closely related to their feeding habits.
noun
lower jaw; mandible (of vertebrates)
technicalAnatomical term for the lower jawbone in humans and animals, containing the lower teeth.
The doctor examined the mobility of his lower jaw joint.
This carnivore has a very powerful lower jaw capable of crushing bones.
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He suffered a mandibular fracture due to accidental impact.
Prognathism, or protrusion of the lower jaw, is a common maxillofacial feature.