maxilla

[ mak-sil-uh ]

noun

, plural max·il·lae [mak-, sil, -ee].

1. a jaw or jawbone, especially the upper.
2. one of the paired appendages immediately behind the mandibles of arthropods.

maxilla

/ mækˈsɪlə; mækˈsɪlə /

noun

1. See jaw
   the upper jawbone in vertebrates See jaw
2. any member of one or two pairs of mouthparts in insects and other arthropods used as accessory jaws

maxilla

/ măk-sĭl′ə /

, Plural maxillae măk-sĭl′ē

1. The upper part of the jaw in vertebrate animals.

Derived Forms

• maxillar, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maxilla¹

1670–80; < New Latin, special use of Latin maxilla lower jaw, diminutive of māla (< *maxlā ) upper jaw, cheekbone

Word History and Origins

Origin of maxilla¹

C17: New Latin, from Latin: jaw

Example Sentences

Inside the fly’s head are protractor and retractor muscles, pulling and pushing at the base of the maxillae.

From Popular-Science

The pars facialis and frontal process of the maxilla are greatly reduced.

From Project Gutenberg

The palatine process of the nasal does not meet the frontal process of the maxilla.

From Project Gutenberg

The maxillary palpi vary in number, many having two on each maxilla and others only one.

From Project Gutenberg

One or more corneous sharp claws which arm the lobes of the Maxilla.

From Project Gutenberg

Toes four, three front ones webbed; bill thin and blade like, the maxilla longer than the mandible; tail slightly forked.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bone
• mouth