premaxilla

noun

pre·​max·​il·​la ˌprē-mak-ˈsi-lə How to pronounce premaxilla (audio)
: either of a pair of bones of the upper jaw of vertebrates between and in front of the maxillae
premaxillary adjective or noun

Examples of premaxilla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These more modern premaxilla, maxilla and dentary — collectively known as dermal marginal jaw bones — previously were seen only in bony fishes, or osteichthyans. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 25 Sep. 2013 Especially remarkable is the animal’s premaxilla – the bone formed a kind of thick, bony wing which would have helped support a large mass of soft tissues in life. Brian Switek, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2010

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'premaxilla.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of premaxilla was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near premaxilla

Cite this Entry

“Premaxilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premaxilla. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

premaxilla

noun
pre·​max·​il·​la ˌprē-mak-ˈsil-ə How to pronounce premaxilla (audio)
plural premaxillae -ē How to pronounce premaxilla (audio)
: either member of a pair of bones of the upper jaw of vertebrates situated between and in front of the maxillae that in humans form the median anterior part of the superior maxillary bones but in most other mammals are distinct and bear the incisor teeth and in birds coalesce to form the principal part of the upper mandible

called also incisive bone

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