cementum

noun

ce·​men·​tum si-ˈmen-təm 

: 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

Much like rings on a tree, layers of cementum equate to years. — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026

However, the inner (dentine) layer of these building blocks twist to the right, while the outer (cementum) layer twists left. — New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026

The team found that while the outer layer of the tusk, called the cementum, has a structure that spirals left, the inner part, dentine, spirals right. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026

The dentine and cementum, in turn, are made up of microscopic collagen fibrils mineralized with nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin caementum

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cementum

• momentum
• omentum
• tegmentum
• tomentum
• argumentum
• sacramentum
• testamentum
• centum
• mentum

Kids Definition

cementum

noun

ce·​men·​tum si-ˈment-əm 

: an outside bony layer that covers the part of the tooth normally within the gum

Medical Definition

cementum

noun

ce·​men·​tum si-ˈment-əm 

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

called also cement

compare dentin, enamel