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cementum

noun
ce·​men·​tum | \ si-ˈmen-təm How to pronounce cementum (audio) \

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

 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.

First Known Use of cementum

1842, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cementum

New Latin, from Latin caementum

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Time Traveler for cementum

The first known use of cementum was in 1842

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More Definitions for cementum

cementum

noun
ce·​men·​tum | \ si-ˈmen-təm How to pronounce cementum (audio) \

Kids Definition of cementum

: a thin bony layer covering the part of a tooth inside the gum

cementum

noun
ce·​men·​tum | \ si-ˈment-əm How to pronounce cementum (audio) \

Medical Definition of cementum

: a specialized external bony layer covering the dentin of the part of a tooth normally within the gum

— called also cement

— compare dentin, enamel

More from Merriam-Webster on cementum

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with cementum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cementum

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