masseter

noun

mas·​se·​ter mə-ˈsē-tər 

ma-

: a large muscle that raises the lower jaw and assists in mastication

masseteric

ˌma-sə-ˈter-ik 

adjective

Examples of masseter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What did Hannah Berner’s experience reveal about masseter botox risks? — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026

In a TikTok video shared on Monday, June 30, the comedian and podcast host, 34, spoke about getting Dysport, an injectable neurotoxin, in her masseter muscles as a TMJ treatment. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Facial massage manipulates big muscles in the face, such as the masseters, temporalis and platysma, as well as fascia. — Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 10 June 2026

Can masseter Botox give you jowls? — Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 10 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek masētēr, from masasthai to chew — more at mandible

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

masseter

noun

mas·​se·​ter mə-ˈsēt-ər, ma- 

: a large muscle that raises the lower jaw and assists in mastication, arises from the zygomatic arch and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, and is inserted into the mandibular ramus and gonial angle

masseteric

ˌmas-ə-ˈter-ik 

adjective