Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

gomphosis

American  
[gom-foh-sis] / gɒmˈfoʊ sɪs /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

gomphoses
  1. an immovable articulation in which one bone or part is received in a cavity in another, as a tooth in its socket.


gomphosis British  
/ ɡɒmˈfəʊsɪs /

noun

  1. anatomy a form of immovable articulation in which a peglike part fits into a cavity, as in the setting of a tooth in its socket

"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

Etymology

Origin of gomphosis

1570–80; < New Latin < Greek gomphō-, verbid stem of gomphoûn to bolt together (derivative of gómphos bolt, nail) + New Latin -sis -sis; see -osis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lastly, a gomphosis is the narrow fibrous joint between the roots of a tooth and the bony socket in the jaw into which the tooth fits.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Due to the immobility of a gomphosis, this type of joint is functionally classified as a synarthrosis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

A gomphosis is the fibrous joint that anchors each tooth to its bony socket within the upper or lower jaw.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

A gomphosis is also known as a peg-and- socket joint.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

At a gomphosis, the root of a tooth is anchored across a narrow gap by periodontal ligaments to the walls of its socket in the bony jaw.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013