Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

mastax

noun
Save Word
mas·​tax | \ ˈmaˌstaks \
plural -es

Definition of mastax

1 : the pharynx of a rotifer usually containing several horny pieces most commonly consisting of an incus and mallei
2 : the lore of a bird

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for mastax

New Latin, from Greek, mouth, jaws; akin to Greek masasthai to chew

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about mastax

Statistics for mastax

Cite this Entry

“Mastax.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastax. Accessed 11 December 2019.

Comments on mastax

What made you want to look up mastax? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

sodden

Listen to the pronounciation of sodden

heavy with or as if with moisture

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Semantic Drift Quiz

  • a twisty river
  • Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games