maxillary
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /mækˈsɪl.əri/
KK: /mækˈsɪl.ər.i/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the jaw or jawbone, particularly the upper jaw.
Example
The dentist examined the maxillary region for any signs of infection.
Conversation
Did you know that the maxillary bone is crucial for our facial structure?
Really? I never thought about how important our jawbones are.
Yeah, they help support our teeth and shape our faces.
That makes sense! It's fascinating how much we rely on them.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
upper
jawbone
facial
Antonyms
lower
mandibular
inferior
noun
Definition
A bone in the upper jaw that holds the teeth and forms part of the face.
Example
The dentist examined the patient's maxillary bone for any signs of damage.
Conversation
Did you know that the maxillary bone is essential for our jaw structure?
Really? I never thought about it before!
Yeah, it holds our teeth in place and helps with chewing.
Root Explanation
Maxillary → It is formed from "maxilla" (from Latin, meaning jawbone) and the suffix "-ary" (meaning pertaining to). The word "maxillary" refers to something that pertains to the jawbone.
Memory Tip
Think of the Latin word for jawbone, 'maxilla', to remember that 'maxillary' relates to the jaw.
Visually Confused Words
axillary
midaxillary
bimaxillary
admaxillary
paxillary
axillar
submaxillary
premaxillary