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

The treatment really took off in the early 2000s, and studies have shown that Botulinum toxin injections for masseter reduction in East Asians are effective for slimming the masseter muscles without significant side effects. —Mary Honkus, Allure, 29 Apr. 2025

Answer: The jaw muscle (called the masseter muscle). —Alex Vance, Parents, 14 Jan. 2025

The two main benefits of masseter Botox are released tension in the muscle and a reshaped jaw. —Tori Crowther, Allure, 11 Dec. 2024

Some people also undergo ’tox to the masseter for the face-slimming effect, which is entirely real. —Megan McIntyre, Allure, 26 Nov. 2024

Companies that sell rock-hard chewing gum claim the extra force will work out the masseter muscles that run from the cheekbone to the lower jawbone. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 25 July 2024

When Carillo put his fingers in my mouth to get at my masseter muscles, my eyes rolled back. —Annie Blay, Allure, 11 Apr. 2024

There are four Botox injections total, two on each side, directed straight into your masseter jaw muscles. —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 22 Nov. 2023

Also, the masseter pulls the jaw up and down for chewing. —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 22 Nov. 2023

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