Definition

A hard, bony substance that covers the roots of teeth, helping to anchor them in the jawbone.

Example

The dentist explained that cementum is important for tooth stability.

Conversation

Do you know what cementum is?

Yeah, it's that layer that covers the roots of teeth, right?

Exactly! It's important for tooth stability.

For sure, without it, our teeth wouldn't be as strong.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cementum → It is derived from 'caementum' (meaning stone or rough stone) in Latin, which refers to the material used in construction. The word 'cementum' specifically refers to the hard tissue that forms the outer layer of a tooth, akin to the idea of a binding or joining material.

Memory Tip

Think of 'caementum' as a type of stone or material that binds things together, which helps you remember that 'cementum' is the hard tissue that binds the outer layer of a tooth.

Visually Confused Words