maxillary

[ mak-suh-ler-ee, mak-sil-uh-ree ]

/ ˈmæk səˌlɛr i, mækˈsɪl ə ri /

Save This Word!

adjective

of or relating to a jaw, jawbone, or maxilla.

noun, plural max·il·lar·ies.

a maxilla or maxillary bone.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of maxillary

First recorded in 1620–30; maxill(a) + -ary

in·ter·max·il·lar·y, adjectivepost·max·il·lar·y, adjective

Auradkar also wondered how the pb gene determined the orientation of the maxillary palps.
Animals have an internal ‘GPS’ that tells body parts where to grow|Ethan Bier/The Conversation|November 12, 2021|Popular-Science
High cheek bones and prominent maxillary muscles enhanced the truculence indicated by his chin.
Dope|Sax Rohmer
The doctors jaw set so hard that his tanned skin whitened over the maxillary muscles.
Cursed|George Allan England
The Phrynid are very peculiar looking animals, the anterior legs being very long and slender and the maxillary palpi very large.
Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects|C. V. Riley

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
The front branch of the two is the ophthalmic branch of the adult, and the hind branch the inferior maxillary branch.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour