gomphosis

American  

[gom-foh-sis] / gɒmˈfoʊ sɪs /

noun

Anatomy.

gomphoses plural

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

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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

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• gomphoses
  plural

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

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

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

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

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

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

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

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013