mandible

• Sustantivo que designa la mandíbula, especialmente la inferior, en vertebrados, que está articulada para permitir abrir la boca; también se refiere a cada una de las piezas bucales masticadoras de insectos y artrópodos.

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.

   Mandíbula (hueso inferior)

   • 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.

   Sinónimosjawjawbonelower jawmandibula

2. Insect mouthpartB2formalscientific

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

   Mandíbula de insecto

   • 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.

   Sinónimosjaw