maxilla

max·il·la

noun \mak-ˈsi-lə\

plural max·il·lae\-ˈsi-(ˌ)lē, -ˌlī\ or maxillas

Definition of MAXILLA

1

a : jaw 1a b (1) : an upper jaw especially of humans and other mammals in which the bony elements are closely fused (2) : either of the two bones that lie with one on each side of the upper jaw lateral to the premaxilla and that in higher vertebrates bear most of the teeth

2

: one of the first or second pair of mouthparts posterior to the mandibles in many arthropods (as insects or crustaceans)

— max·il·lary \ˈmak-sə-ˌler-ē, chiefly British mak-ˈsi-lə-rē\ adjective or noun

Origin of MAXILLA

Latin, diminutive of mala jaw

First Known Use: 1676