cementum

noun

ce·men·tum | \ si-ˈmen-təm

Definition of cementum

: a specialized bony layer of connective tissue covering the dentin of the part of a tooth normally within the gum — see tooth illustration

Examples of cementum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web From the moment a tooth emerges from the gum, cementum starts to form annual layers, similar to a tree's rings. — Jack Guy, CNN, "Childbirth, imprisonment, disease: Human teeth contain a record of life events," 25 Mar. 2020 The researchers are also working with high-resolution CT scans to develop a non-destructive method of studying cementum. — Jack Guy, CNN, "Childbirth, imprisonment, disease: Human teeth contain a record of life events," 25 Mar. 2020 In a similar vein, a substance called cementum protects your teeth’s roots, which contain the pulpy center that holds blood vessels and nerves. — Korin Miller, SELF, "5 Reasons Your Teeth Are So Agonizingly Sensitive," 18 Apr. 2018 Instead, the tooth bases were caked in cementum, a bony material that affixed the teeth to the jaw, and Caldwell says that the teeth appeared to have been dislodged during fossilization. — Michael Greshko, National Geographic, "Famous ‘Four-Legged Snake’ May Really Be Dino-Era Lizard," 2 Nov. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cementum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.