Mandibles: meaning, definitions and examples

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mandibles

 

[ ˈmændɪb(ə)lz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

insect anatomy

The mandibles are the pair of jaws in insects that are used for biting and chewing food.

Synonyms

chelicerae, jaws, maxillae

Examples of usage

  • The ant used its mandibles to carry the food back to the nest.
  • The beetle's mandibles were strong enough to crack open the seed.
Context #2 | Noun

animal anatomy

In some animals, such as crustaceans, the mandibles are the first pair of mouthparts used for feeding.

Synonyms

chompers, jaws, mouthparts

Examples of usage

  • The lobster's mandibles are used to crush its prey.
  • The crab uses its mandibles to break open shells.

Translations

Translations of the word "mandibles" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mandíbulas

🇮🇳 जबड़े

🇩🇪 Mandibeln

🇮🇩 rahang

🇺🇦 щелепи

🇵🇱 żuwaczki

🇯🇵 大顎 (おおあご)

🇫🇷 mandibules

🇪🇸 mandíbulas

🇹🇷 çeneler

🇰🇷 턱뼈

🇸🇦 فكوك

🇨🇿 čelisti

🇸🇰 čeľuste

🇨🇳 下颌

🇸🇮 čeljusti

🇮🇸 kjálkar

🇰🇿 жақ сүйектері

🇬🇪 ყბები

🇦🇿 çənələr

🇲🇽 mandíbulas

Etymology

The word 'mandibles' originated from the Latin word 'mandibula', which means 'jaw'. It has been used in English since the early 17th century to refer to the jaws or jaw-like mouthparts of insects and animals.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,650, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.