Dentary: meaning, definitions and examples

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dentary

 

[ ˈdɛn.tər.i ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy structure

The dentary is the lower jawbone in vertebrates. It is typically a paired structure, which provides support for the teeth and is involved in the mechanics of chewing. In mammals, it is the largest bone in the jaw.

Synonyms

jaw, mandible

Examples of usage

  • The dentary plays a crucial role in dental alignment.
  • In some species, the dentary can articulate with other bones.
  • Researchers study the dentary structure for insights into evolutionary changes.

Translations

Translations of the word "dentary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dentário

🇮🇳 दंतविज्ञान

🇩🇪 dentär

🇮🇩 dentari

🇺🇦 зубний

🇵🇱 dentarny

🇯🇵 歯の

🇫🇷 dentaire

🇪🇸 dentar

🇹🇷 diş

🇰🇷 치과의

🇸🇦 أسنان

🇨🇿 dentární

🇸🇰 dentárny

🇨🇳 牙科的

🇸🇮 dentaren

🇮🇸 tannlæknis

🇰🇿 тіс

🇬🇪 კბილების

🇦🇿 diş

🇲🇽 dental

Word origin

The term 'dentary' originates from the Latin word 'dentes', meaning 'teeth'. The use of the term has evolved in biological and anatomical contexts, primarily to refer to the specific bone structure that forms part of the jaw in many vertebrates. It signifies the importance of the lower jaw in animals, where it not only supports teeth but also facilitates movement and feeding. Over time, the dentary has been a focal point in studies related to comparative anatomy, as its variations across species reflect evolutionary adaptations. The understanding of the dentary has significant implications in paleontology, where fossilized dentaries provide clues about the dietary habits and ecological roles of extinct species.