Mandible
['mændɪb(ə)l] or ['mændɪbl]
Definition
(n.) The bone, or principal bone, of the lower jaw; the inferior maxilla; -- also applied to either the upper or the lower jaw in the beak of birds.
(n.) The anterior pair of mouth organs of insects, crustaceaus, and related animals, whether adapted for biting or not. See Illust. of Diptera.
Editor: Tod
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Jaw.[2]. (Ornith.) Beak, bill.
Checker: Nellie
Definition
n. a jaw-bone esp. that of the lower jaw.—adjs. Mandib′ular relating to the jaw; Mandib′ulāte -d having mandibles for biting like many insects.
Inputed by Jesse
Examples
- They arise from the palate, and are attached by flexible membrane to the sides of the mandible. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- The edges of the lower mandible are serrated with teeth much more prominent, coarser and sharper than in the duck. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- The edges of the lower mandible are crossed by numerous fine ridges, which project very little. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
Editor: Tod