diastema

[ dahy-uh-stee-muh ]

noun

, plural di·a·ste·ma·ta [dahy-, uh, -, stee, -m, uh, -t, uh].

1. Cell Biology. the modified protoplasm at the equator of a cell, existing before mitotic division.
2. Dentistry. a space between two teeth, especially a space between a canine and an incisor of the upper jaw into which a lower canine occludes.

diastema

/ ˌdaɪəˈstiːmə /

noun

1. an abnormal space, fissure, or cleft in a bodily organ or part
2. a gap between the teeth

Word History and Origins

Origin of diastema¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin < Greek: interval, equivalent to diastē, variant stem of diastánai to stand apart + -ma noun suffix denoting the result of action

Word History and Origins

Origin of diastema¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek: gap, from diistanai to separate; see diastasis

Example Sentences

There is always a long diastema separating the incisors from the grinding teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

The crowns of all the teeth are equal in height, and there is no diastema—an arrangement found in no living mammal but man.

From Project Gutenberg

The diastema in front of the premolars is longer in the living Equidae than in their extinct allies.

From Project Gutenberg

In all the others there is a gap or diastema of larger or smaller size between the incisors and canines.

From Project Gutenberg

The incisors always have chisel-like edges and persistent pulps, and are separated by a wide diastema from the premolars.

From Project Gutenberg