incisor

American  

[in-sahy-zer] / ɪnˈsaɪ zər /

noun

Dentistry.

1. any of the four anterior teeth in each jaw, used for cutting and gnawing.

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incisor British  

/ ɪnˈsaɪzə /

noun

1. a chisel-edged tooth at the front of the mouth. In man there are four in each jaw

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incisor Scientific  

/ ĭn-sī′zər /

1. A sharp-edged tooth in mammals that is adapted for cutting or gnawing. The incisors are located in the front of the mouth between the canine teeth.

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Etymology

Origin of incisor

1665–75; < New Latin: literally, cutter, equivalent to Latin incīd ( ere ) to incise + -tor -tor, with -dt- > -s-

Example Sentences

Her mouth hung open in a leering smile, and her teeth were large and razor sharp, with a prominent set of gleaming white incisors.

From Literature

She also has a pair of long, constantly growing incisors strong enough to chew through cinder blocks as well as tree bark.

From Salon

Based on the emergence of its baby incisor teeth, researchers estimate the cub was about 3 weeks old when it died.

From Science Magazine

Previously, researchers suggested that this iron-rich material was also responsible for the striking orange to brown color of many rodents' incisors.

From Science Daily

Their large mouths, which can open up to 180 degrees, reveal large canines and incisors used primarily for defense.

From Salon

Related Words

• ivory