zygomatic arch

noun

: the arch of bone that extends along the front or side of the skull beneath the orbit

Examples of zygomatic arch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Carnivora, dog's skulls have a few distinctive characteristics: relatively large brains and a larger-than-normal structure called a zygomatic arch which allows for bite power and chewing. Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2011 Otto related one play in which Packers linebacker Ray Nitschke shattered his helmet and facemask, breaking his nose, cheekbone and zygomatic arch and detaching his left retina, leaving Otto blind in one eye for six months. SI.com, 28 Aug. 2019

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

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zygomatic arch was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near zygomatic arch

Cite this Entry

“Zygomatic arch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zygomatic%20arch. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

zygomatic arch

noun
: the arch of bone that extends along the front or side of the skull beneath the orbit and that is formed by the union of the temporal process of the zygomatic bone in front with the zygomatic process of the temporal bone behind

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