dentary

[ den-tuh-ree ]

noun

, Zoology.

, plural den·ta·ries.

1. one of a pair of membrane bones that in lower vertebrates form the distal part of the lower jaws and in mammals comprise the mandible.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dentary¹

1820–30; < Latin dentārius of the teeth, equivalent to dent- (stem of dēns ) tooth + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

The dentary is an unornamented bone with the anterior half curving medially; the greatest height is anterior.

From Project Gutenberg

The dentary meets the splenial dorsally in a straight suture.

From Project Gutenberg

The splenial also curves medially, and as stated, meets the dentary in a straight suture.

From Project Gutenberg

Membrane bones are freely developed in connection with the mandible, dentary, splenial, and angular bones being all present.

From Project Gutenberg

It extends back as far as the posterior end of the jaw and forwards for some distance dorsal to the dentary and splenial.

From Project Gutenberg