incisor

noun in·ci·sor \ in-ˈsī-zər \

Updated on: 29 Mar 2018

Definition of incisor

: a front tooth typically adapted for cutting; especially : one of the cutting teeth in mammals located between the canines when canines are present — see tooth illustration

See incisor defined for English-language learners

See incisor defined for kids

Recent Examples of incisor from the Web

One lab tested the ratio of uranium to thorium in two of Misliya-1’s incisors.

— kiona n. smith, Ars Technica, "Humans expanded out of Africa 40,000 years earlier than we thought," 25 Jan. 2018
First-time tooth extractors scored an average $5.70 per incisor (down 2 cents from the previous year).

— nicole zelniker, USA TODAY, "A cavity in generosity: Survey finds the Tooth Fairy was mean in 2017, despite the improving economy," 27 Feb. 2018
Romania's Maria Marinela Mazilu has, in the part of her helmet that covers her mouth, triple-sized red lips, two fangs for incisors.

— chico harlan, chicagotribune.com, "An Olympics skeleton helmet, where Game of Thrones meets Dracula," 16 Feb. 2018
Romania's Maria Marinela Mazilu has, in the part of her helmet that covers her mouth, triple-sized red lips, two fangs for incisors.

— author: chico harlan, Anchorage Daily News, "An Olympics skeleton helmet, where ‘Game of Thrones’ meets Dracula," 16 Feb. 2018
Nothing like grazing a little too roughly with your incisors to ruin the party.

— monique judge, The Root, "One Good Tongue Deserves Another: The Art of Fellatio," 22 Dec. 2017
Kaytee Nut Knot Knibbler wooden chew toy, $8, amazon.com Whether your niece owns a guinea pig or a rat, this wooden chew toy will keep those incisors happy and healthy.

— michaela bechler, Vogue, "15 Gift Ideas for Pets (Cats and Dogs Obviously, But Guinea Pigs Too!)," 24 Nov. 2016
The new study focuses on two of the incisors, which contain marks that suggest a pointed instrument, likely a stone, was used to enlarge cavities in the teeth and scrape out decayed tissue.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "13,000-Year-Old Fillings Were “Drilled” With Stone and Packed With Tar," 11 Apr. 2017
These elongated incisor teeth are so strong that their wielders often use them to wrestle and fling each other to the ground.

— sasha mushegian, Smithsonian, "Appalled by the Illegal Trade in Elephant Ivory, a Biologist Decided to Make His Own," 10 May 2017

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

First Known Use of incisor

1666

in the meaning defined above

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INCISOR Defined for English Language Learners

incisor

noun

Definition of incisor for English Language Learners

: a tooth that has a sharp edge for biting : one of the four front teeth of the upper or lower jaw

INCISOR Defined for Kids

incisor

noun in·ci·sor \ in-ˈsī-zər \

Definition of incisor for Students

: a tooth (as any of the four front teeth of the human upper or lower jaw) for cutting

Medical Dictionary

incisor

noun in·ci·sor \ in-ˈsī-zər \

medical Definition of incisor

: a front tooth adapted for cutting; especially : any of the eight cutting human teeth that are located between the canines with four in the lower and four in the upper jaw