maxilla

[ mak-sil-uh ]

/ mækˈsɪl ə /

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See synonyms for maxilla on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural max·il·lae

[mak-sil-ee]. /mækˈsɪl i/.

a jaw or jawbone, especially the upper.

one of the paired appendages immediately behind the mandibles of arthropods.

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Origin of maxilla

1670–80; <New Latin, special use of Latin maxilla lower jaw, diminutive of māla (<*maxlā) upper jaw, cheekbone

Words nearby maxilla

Mawlamyine, Mawlid, Mawson, max, maxi, maxilla, maxillary, maxilliped, maxillofacial, maxim, maxima

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use maxilla in a sentence

Inside the fly’s head are protractor and retractor muscles, pulling and pushing at the base of the maxillae.
Evolution made mosquitos into stealthy, sensitive vampires|Erica McAlister|October 15, 2020|Popular-Science
The pars facialis and frontal process of the maxilla are greatly reduced.
Systematic Status of a South American Frog, Allophryne ruthveni Gaige|John D. Lynch
The palatine process of the nasal does not meet the frontal process of the maxilla.
Systematic Status of a South American Frog, Allophryne ruthveni Gaige|John D. Lynch
The maxillary palpi vary in number, many having two on each maxilla and others only one.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. III (of 4)|William Kirby

One or more corneous sharp claws which arm the lobes of the Maxilla.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. III (of 4)|William Kirby
Toes four, three front ones webbed; bill thin and blade like, the maxilla longer than the mandible; tail slightly forked.
Color Key to North American Birds|Frank M. Chapman

British Dictionary definitions for maxilla

maxilla

/ (mækˈsɪlə) /

noun plural -lae (-liː)

the upper jawbone in vertebratesSee jaw (def. 1)

any member of one or two pairs of mouthparts in insects and other arthropods used as accessory jaws

Derived forms of maxilla

maxillar (mækˈsɪlə) or maxillary, adjective

Word Origin for maxilla

C17: New Latin, from Latin: jaw

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

Scientific definitions for maxilla

maxilla

[ măk-sĭl′ə ]

Plural maxillae (măk-sĭl′ē) maxillas

The upper part of the jaw in vertebrate animals.

maxilla

Origin of maxilla

Words nearby maxilla

Words related to maxilla

How to use maxilla in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for maxilla

Derived forms of maxilla

Word Origin for maxilla

Scientific definitions for maxilla