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Incisor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incisor

[ɪnˈsaɪzər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dental anatomy

One of the front teeth, adapted for cutting.

Synonyms

front tooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incisor

Medical or dental contexts, scientific literature, or when specifically referring to the type of tooth located in the front of the mouth.

  • The dentist noted that the patient's incisor was chipped and required a filling.
  • Human incisors are designed for cutting food.
front tooth

Everyday conversation or non-technical contexts when referring to the visible teeth at the front of the mouth.

  • She has a missing front tooth after the accident.
  • He is self-conscious about the gap between his front teeth.

Examples of usage

  • The incisor teeth are used for biting and cutting food.
  • She felt pain in her incisor after biting into a hard apple.
Context #2 | Noun

zoology

A narrow, chisel-shaped tooth in the front of the jaw, found in most mammals that use their teeth for gnawing or cutting food.

Synonyms

chisel tooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incisor

This repetition of 'incisor' is likely an error. The context and examples would be the same as provided for the first instance.

  • The doctor explained that the incisor was slightly chipped.
  • In mammals, the incisor teeth are located at the front of the mouth.
chisel tooth

This term can be used in a descriptive or informal context to describe the sharp, chisel-like shape of the front teeth. It is often used in discussions about the function or shape of these teeth.

  • Her chisel teeth made it easier for her to bite through tough foods.
  • You can see the chisel tooth clearly in the skull of the beaver.

Examples of usage

  • The beaver's incisors are constantly growing and must be worn down by gnawing on wood.
  • Rabbits have large incisors that help them chew through tough vegetation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • Humans have eight incisors in total, four on the top and four on the bottom, which make it easy to bite into food.
  • In adults, incisors are the first teeth that come in, usually appearing by age 6 or 7.
  • These teeth are flat and sharp, perfect for cutting through things like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Dental Health

  • Incisors are particularly prone to wear and cavities, so it's important to brush and floss regularly.
  • Healthy incisors are crucial for effective speech, as they help produce certain sounds when speaking.

Evolution

  • Incisors have evolved over time to meet dietary needs, reflecting changes like the shift from a herbivorous diet to an omnivorous one.
  • Many mammals have similar front teeth adaptations, showing the importance of incisors across species.

Cultural References

  • Famous characters, like vampires in movies, often have exaggerated incisors, symbolizing danger or predation.
  • The phrase 'cutting teeth' in English often refers to starting a new experience, highlighting the role of incisors in growth and change.

Fun Facts

  • Some animals, like beavers and rodents, have continuously growing incisors, needing to chew constantly to keep them from becoming too long.
  • In a fun comparison, think about how a pair of scissors is like your incisors – they both work by cutting things!

Origin of 'incisor'

The word 'incisor' originated from the Latin word 'incisus', which means 'cut into'. In ancient times, these teeth were associated with cutting or incising food. The concept of incisors has been present in human anatomy for centuries, with their importance in chewing and biting food. Over time, the term has also been adopted in zoology to refer to similar teeth in animals that use them for cutting or gnawing.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,284, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.