buccal

adjective

buc·​cal ˈbə-kəl How to pronounce buccal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, near, involving, or supplying a cheek
the buccal surface of a tooth
the buccal branch of the facial nerve
2
: of, relating to, involving, or lying in the mouth
the buccal cavity
buccally adverb

Examples of buccal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The surgery consists of removing the buccal fat pads between the cheekbone and jaw for those who prefer a more sculpted appearance. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 11 Dec. 2023 As previously mentioned, buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure in which excess fat from the buccal fat pads is removed. Iman Balagam, ELLE, 18 Jan. 2023 Jean-Christophe Leroux, a professor in drug formulation and delivery at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, has one idea: transform an injectable into an oral drug absorbed through the buccal mucosa, the lining of the inner cheek. Popular Science, 27 Sep. 2023 The buccal phase is the body’s reflexive response to the actual presence of food in the mouth (which aids in swallowing). Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2023 Unlike the surgery, buccal fat massages are a temporary sculpting solution to last you through the week. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 11 Dec. 2023 The ruling comes after prosecutors submitted a request to the court to obtain a buccal swab – otherwise known as a cheek swab – of DNA, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office. Mark Morales, CNN, 9 Aug. 2023 Those in the know, however, are turning to buccal massage. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 14 June 2023 Davis’ buccal facial lasts 25 minutes and costs $50. Kristine Gill, Fortune Well, 1 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'buccal.' 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

Latin bucca cheek

First Known Use

circa 1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buccal was circa 1721

Dictionary Entries Near buccal

Cite this Entry

“Buccal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buccal. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

buccal

adjective
buc·​cal ˈbək-əl How to pronounce buccal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, near, involving, or supplying a cheek
the buccal surface of a tooth
the buccal branch of the facial nerve
2
: of, relating to, involving, or lying in the mouth
the buccal cavity
buccally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on buccal

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