premaxilla

noun

pre·max·il·la ˌprē-mak-ˈsi-lə

: either of a pair of bones of the upper jaw of vertebrates between and in front of the maxillae

premaxillary

(ˌ)prē-ˈmak-sə-ˌler-ē

chiefly British

ˌprē-mak-ˈsi-lə-rē

adjective or noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web These more modern premaxilla, maxilla and dentary — collectively known as dermal marginal jaw bones — previously were seen only in bony fishes, or osteichthyans. —

Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 25 Sep. 2013 Especially remarkable is the animal’s premaxilla – the bone formed a kind of thick, bony wing which would have helped support a large mass of soft tissues in life. —

Brian Switek, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2010

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of premaxilla was in 1850

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Premaxilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premaxilla. Accessed 31 Jan. 2023.

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Medical Definition

premaxilla

noun

pre·max·il·la ˌprē-mak-ˈsil-ə

plural premaxillae -ē

: either member of a pair of bones of the upper jaw of vertebrates situated between and in front of the maxillae that in humans form the median anterior part of the superior maxillary bones but in most other mammals are distinct and bear the incisor teeth and in birds coalesce to form the principal part of the upper mandible

called also incisive bone