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Molar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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molar

[ˈmoʊlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dental care

A molar is a large, flat tooth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding food.

Synonyms

back tooth, grinder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
molar

Used mainly in medical or dental contexts to describe the large teeth located at the back of the mouth, which are used for grinding food.

  • The dentist said my molar needs a filling.
  • Molars are crucial for properly chewing and grinding food.
back tooth

A general, informal term that can be used in everyday conversation to refer to any of the teeth located at the back of the mouth. It’s less technical than 'molar'.

  • I have a sore back tooth that I think needs to be checked.
  • She lost a back tooth during the basketball game.
grinder

A colloquial term that can refer to the molars due to their function of grinding food. It's less commonly used and may have a slightly informal or playful connotation.

  • I must have chipped a grinder while eating that hard candy.
  • Grinders are essential for chewing harder foods like nuts and meat.

Examples of usage

  • The dentist recommended getting a filling for the cavity in my molar.
  • I have a wisdom tooth coming in behind my molar.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

In chemistry, a molar is a unit of measurement used to express the amount of a substance.

Synonyms

molarity, mole.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
molar

Used in both chemistry and dentistry. In dentistry, it refers to a type of tooth located at the back of the mouth. In chemistry, it is used to describe a concentration of a substance in a given volume of solution, typically mol/L (molarity).

  • The dentist said I have a cavity in my molar.
  • The solution has a molar concentration of 1 mol/L.
mole

Primarily used in chemistry to represent a unit of measurement for amount of substance. It is equivalent to 6.022 x 10^23 entities, usually atoms or molecules.

  • One mole of carbon atoms weighs exactly 12 grams.
  • The chemist calculated the number of moles in the given sample.
molarity

Used in chemistry to express the concentration of a solution. It is the number of moles of solute per liter of solution.

  • To prepare a 1 M solution, dissolve 58.44 grams of NaCl in water to make a total volume of 1 liter.
  • The molarity of the solution was determined by titration.

Examples of usage

  • The concentration of the solution is 1 molar.
  • She calculated the molar mass of the compound.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • Humans usually have 12 molars, which include the three on each side of the upper and lower jaws.
  • Molars typically erupt in the mouth between the ages of 6 and 12, coinciding with the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth.

Health

  • Molars are crucial for proper digestion, as they break food into smaller pieces for easier swallowing.
  • Regular dental care is essential because molars are more prone to cavities due to their rough surfaces and deep grooves.

Culture

  • In some cultures, losing a molar is celebrated as a rite of passage, marking the end of childhood.
  • Folk tales often include 'Tooth Fairy' customs where children exchange lost teeth, including molars, for small gifts.

Science

  • Researchers have found that the size and shape of molars can provide insights into ancient diets and lifestyles of various cultures.
  • Studies show that the way molars are formed can be influenced by genetic factors as well as environmental conditions.

Origin of 'molar'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'molar' comes from the Latin word 'molaris,' meaning 'grinding,' which perfectly describes its function.
  • It was first used in the 16th century to refer specifically to back teeth that grind food.

The word 'molar' originated from the Latin word 'molaris', meaning 'millstone', due to the tooth's function in grinding food. Over time, the term expanded to include the chemistry measurement unit, inspired by the concept of grinding substances in chemical reactions.

See also: mole, molecule.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,730 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.