max·il·la (m k-s l  )n. pl. max·il·lae (m k-sl ) or max·il·las 1. Anatomy Either of a pair of bones of the human skull fusing in the midline and forming the upper jaw. 2. A homologous bone of the skull in other vertebrates. 3. Either of two laterally moving appendages situated behind the mandibles in insects and most other arthropods. [Latin, jawbone.] |
maxilla [mækˈsɪlə]
n pl -lae [-liː]
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the upper jawbone in vertebrates See jaw [1]
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) any member of one or two pairs of mouthparts in insects and other arthropods used as accessory jaws
[New Latin, from Latin: jaw]
maxillar [mækˈsɪlə], maxillary adj
| maxilla (mk-sl) Plural maxillae (m k-sl) or maxillas The upper part of the jaw in vertebrate animals. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  maxilla - the jaw in vertebrates that is fused to the craniumhard palate - the bony part of the roof of the mouth intermaxillary suture, sutura intermaxillaris - the suture between the two maxillae of the upper jawbone jaw - the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth |
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