zygomatic arch

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. the bony arch at the outer border of the eye socket, formed by the union of the cheekbone and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone.

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zygomatic arch British  

noun

1. Also called: zygoma.  the slender arch of bone that forms a bridge between the cheekbone and the temporal bone on each side of the skull of mammals

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Etymology

Origin of zygomatic arch

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

You’re going to want to consume a lot of instant ramen doused with soy sauce so the sodium gives you moonface, hiding any hint of a zygomatic arch.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The presence of the zygomatic arch suggests the presence of the masseter muscle, which closes the jaw and functions in chewing.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The zygomatic arch, or cheekbone, is present in mammals and advanced therapsids such as cynodonts, but is not present in pelycosaurs.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The space inferior to the zygomatic arch and deep to the posterior mandible is the infratemporal fossa.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The zygomatic arch is wanting in Phyllonycteris, Glossonycteris and Choeronycteris.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 2 "Chicago, University of" to "Chiton" by Various