mandible

word

Definition

The mandible is the lower jawbone in humans or animals. It holds the lower teeth and is essential for chewing and speaking.

Usage & Nuances

'Mandible' is a formal, scientific word mostly used in biology, medicine, or anatomy. In everyday speech, 'jaw' is used instead. Common phrases: 'fractured mandible', 'lower mandible', and in insects, 'mandibles' refer to the mouthparts for biting.

Example Sentences

The human mandible is the largest and strongest bone of the face.

basic

A broken mandible can make it hard to eat or speak.

basic

Dentists examine the mandible during check-ups.

basic

After his bike accident, he needed surgery on his mandible.

natural

Some insects have huge mandibles for fighting or eating.

natural

The X-ray showed a small crack in her mandible.

natural