mandible

• Unterkiefer bei Wirbeltieren, der beweglich mit dem Schädel verbunden ist; bei Gliederfüßern ein Mundwerkzeug zum Ergreifen und Zerkleinern der Nahrung.

A noun referring to the jaw in vertebrates that is hinged to open the mouth.

1. B2formalmedical

   The lower jawbone in vertebrates, hinged to the skull, which allows the mouth to open and close.

   Unterkiefer

   • The patient suffered a fracture in his mandible after the fall.
   • The dentist examined the alignment of the upper and lower mandible.
   • Fossils of the mandible help scientists understand ancient species.

   Synonymejawjawbonelower jawmandibula

2. Insect mouthpartB2formalscientific

   One of a pair of hard mouthparts in insects and some arthropods, used for biting, chewing, or holding food.

   Insektenmandibel

   • The beetle uses its strong mandibles to chew through wood.
   • Ants carry food with their mandibles back to the colony.
   • Dragonfly larvae have extendable mandibles to catch prey.

   Synonymejaw