Jawbone: meaning, definitions and examples

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jawbone

[ˈdʒɔːbəʊn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

anatomy

The jawbone is the largest and strongest bone in the human face, forming the lower jaw and holding the teeth in place.

Synonyms

mandible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
jawbone	In another context, this word can also mean persuasive, especially when referring to someone using their influence or speaking strongly to sway others. Often used in finance or politics. The CEO used his influence to jawbone investors into keeping their shares. The president tried to jawbone the opposition into support.
mandible	This word is more commonly used in anatomy and scientific contexts. It specifically refers to the lower jawbone in vertebrates, including humans. The x-ray showed a fracture in the mandible. In insects, the mandible is used for biting and grinding food.

Word

Description / Examples

jawbone

In another context, this word can also mean persuasive, especially when referring to someone using their influence or speaking strongly to sway others. Often used in finance or politics.

The CEO used his influence to jawbone investors into keeping their shares.
The president tried to jawbone the opposition into support.

mandible

This word is more commonly used in anatomy and scientific contexts. It specifically refers to the lower jawbone in vertebrates, including humans.

The x-ray showed a fracture in the mandible.
In insects, the mandible is used for biting and grinding food.

Examples of usage

The dentist examined my jawbone for any signs of decay.
She broke her jawbone in a skiing accident.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

In slang, 'jawbone' can refer to talking or conversing, especially in a persuasive or smooth-talking manner.

Synonyms

chatter, gab.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
jawbone	When referring to someone's jaw or using informal language about persuading someone. He broke his jawbone in the accident. The politician tried to jawbone the public into supporting the new policy.
chatter	When describing continuous, quick informal talking or background noise. The children continued to chatter during the lesson. I could hear the chatter of birds outside the window.
gab	When speaking about engaging in casual, prolonged conversation, often with a focus on sociability. They love to gab for hours over coffee. She’s got the gift of gab, making friends wherever she goes.

Word

Description / Examples

jawbone

When referring to someone's jaw or using informal language about persuading someone.

He broke his jawbone in the accident.
The politician tried to jawbone the public into supporting the new policy.

chatter

When describing continuous, quick informal talking or background noise.

The children continued to chatter during the lesson.
I could hear the chatter of birds outside the window.

gab

When speaking about engaging in casual, prolonged conversation, often with a focus on sociability.

They love to gab for hours over coffee.
She’s got the gift of gab, making friends wherever she goes.

Examples of usage

He's known for his jawbone, always able to talk his way out of trouble.
Her jawbone could convince anyone to buy anything.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

The jawbone, also known as the mandible, is the largest and strongest bone in your face.
It connects with the skull at a joint that allows for the opening and closing of the mouth.
The jawbone has a special area for teeth that helps hold them in place.

Evolution

The jawbone has evolved in different species to adapt to their diets, with some having stronger jaws for crushing bones.
In early human ancestors, the size and shape of the jawbone provide evidence of their diet and feeding habits.
Some prehistoric creatures had extremely large jawbones capable of exerting immense pressure to aid in hunting.

Language

The term 'jawbone' is derived from the Old English word 'ceaf,' meaning jaw.
It is a common term in expressions like 'jawbone politics,' which refers to persuasive speech without the backing of decisive action.
In idiomatic usage, 'jawbone' can refer to talking or making noise without completing a task.

Health

Jawbone health is essential for proper digestion; problems can lead to difficulties in eating and speaking.
Conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause pain in the jawbone area, impacting overall well-being.
Dental health directly affects the jawbone; bone loss can occur if teeth are missing or decayed.

Cultural References

In art, the jawbone has been used symbolically, representing strength and determination.
Popular references in films and literature often portray the jawbone in heroic contexts, as a symbol of resilience.
Some cultures use jawbone artifacts in spiritual practices to convey strength or to symbolize warriors.

Translations

Translations of the word "jawbone" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mandíbula

🇮🇳 जबड़ा

🇩🇪 Kieferknochen

🇮🇩 tulang rahang

🇺🇦 щелепа

🇵🇱 szczęka

🇯🇵 顎骨 (がっこつ)

🇫🇷 mâchoire

🇪🇸 mandíbula

🇹🇷 çene kemiği

🇰🇷 턱뼈 (턱)

🇸🇦 عظم الفك

🇨🇿 čelist

🇸🇰 čeľusť

🇨🇳 颌骨 (hé gǔ)

🇸🇮 čeljustna kost

🇮🇸 kjálkabein

🇰🇿 жақ сүйегі

🇬🇪 ყბის ძვალი

🇦🇿 çənə sümüyü

🇲🇽 mandíbula