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View synonyms for jaw

jaw

1

[ jaw ]

noun

  1. either of two bones, the mandible or maxilla, forming the framework of the mouth.
  2. the part of the face covering these bones, the mouth, or the mouth parts collectively:

    My jaw is swollen.

  3. jaws, anything resembling a pair of jaws or evoking the concept of grasping and holding:

    the jaws of a gorge; the jaws of death.

  4. Machinery.
    1. one of two or more parts, as of a machine, that grasp or hold something:

      the jaws of a vise.

    2. any of two or more protruding parts for attaching to or meshing with similar parts.
  5. Often jaws. Also called throat. Nautical. a forked piece at the end of a gaff, fitting halfway around the mast.
  6. Slang.
    1. idle talk; chatter.
    2. impertinent talk.


verb (used without object)

  1. Slang.
    1. to scold or use abusive language.

verb (used with object)

  1. Slang. to scold.

jaw

2

[ jaw ]

noun

  1. a swelling wave of water; billow.

verb (used without object)

  1. (of liquid) to surge, splash, or dash forward, as in waves.

verb (used with object)

  1. to pour or splash (liquid).

jaw

/ dʒɔː /

noun

  1. the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth. In higher vertebrates it consists of the upper jaw (maxilla) fused to the cranium and the lower jaw (mandible) gnathalgnathic
  2. the corresponding part of an invertebrate, esp an insect
  3. a pair or either of a pair of hinged or sliding components of a machine or tool designed to grip an object
  4. slang.
    1. impudent talk; cheek
    2. idle conversation; chat
    3. moralizing talk; a lecture
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


verb

  1. slang.
    intr
    1. to talk idly; chat; gossip
    2. to lecture
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

jaw

/ /

  1. Either of two bony or cartilaginous structures that in most vertebrate animals form the framework of the mouth, hold the teeth, and are used for biting and chewing food. The lower, movable part of the jaw is the mandible. The upper, fixed part is the maxilla.
  2. Any of various structures of invertebrate animals, such as the pincers of spiders or mites, that function similarly to the jaws of vertebrates.


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Derived Forms

  • ˈjawˌlike, adjective
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Other Words From

  • jawless adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of jaw1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English jou(e), goue, jovwe, from Old French jo(u)e, jewe; further origin uncertain

Origin of jaw2

First recorded in 1505–15; perhaps akin to jaup
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Word History and Origins

Origin of jaw1

C14: probably from Old French joue cheek; related to Italian gota cheek
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Example Sentences

Aviation experts across the world experienced severe jaw dropping at this news.

It took me 1,015 strokes to see this shade of green in a world of orange, and my jaw nearly dropped.

The industry lore is downright jaw-dropping in the details of the cons known as “brick-in-box” returns.

Even by the already money-drenched standards of American politics, the Eldridge campaign was a jaw-dropping spectacle to behold.

And soon all of America got to see Ray in the ring with Janay, hitting her with a shot in the jaw.

My coup-d'œil assured me that it was practicable to give to this feature the character of a projecting under-jaw.

He usually seizes his prey by the flank near the hind leg, or by the throat below the jaw.

He had had his jaw smashed but I have seen men pull longer faces at breaking a collar stud.

He had a long pale face with an indifferent complexion and the common American lantern jaw.

The constable stared at the cadet for a moment and then his jaw dropped and likewise the club in his hand.

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