mandible

Meanings

1. 1nouncountabletechnical

   The lower jawbone in humans and other vertebrates.

   Grammar: Countable noun; usually used with 'the' when referring to a specific animal or person.

   Patterns

   • the mandible
   • fracture of the mandible
   • mandible and maxilla

   The surgeon repaired the broken mandible with metal plates.

   In humans, the mandible is the only movable bone of the skull.

   The dentist examined the patient's mandible for signs of infection.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   Either of the pair of biting mouthparts in insects and other arthropods.

   Grammar: Countable noun; often used in the plural 'mandibles' when referring to the pair.

   Patterns

   • the mandibles
   • insect mandibles
   • use its mandibles

   The beetle used its powerful mandibles to crush the seed.

   Ants carry food with their mandibles.

   The scientist studied the shape of the mandibles to identify the species.

Word forms

Common combinations

lower mandible

The bird's lower mandible is longer than the upper one.

fracture of the mandible

He was treated for a fracture of the mandible after the accident.

mandible and maxilla

The skull consists of the mandible and maxilla, among other bones.

powerful mandibles

The stag beetle has powerful mandibles for fighting.

Synonyms and how they differ

jawbone

Everyday term for the bone of the jaw; 'mandible' is the technical term for the lower jaw only.

lower jaw

General term; 'mandible' is more precise in scientific contexts.

Word family

mandibular adjective

Relating to the mandible.

maxilla noun

The upper jawbone, the counterpart of the mandible.

Commonly confused: mandible or maxilla?

Practice

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