maxillary

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

adjective

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

noun

plural

maxillaries 

1. a maxilla or maxillary bone.

Other Word Forms

• intermaxillary adjective
• postmaxillary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maxillary¹

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

Example Sentences

For this reason, it’s the maxillary sinuses that most often clog, and where most sinus infections first take hold.

From New York Times

Or when she blasts a taunt through her maxillary sinuses: “You snooze you lose!” on “Check Me Out.”

From Washington Post

The researchers found that there were major differences in skull shape between rural and urban foxes, with the latter "having a noticeably shortened wider snout with a reduced maxillary region relative to rural foxes."

From Salon

The surgeons were able to diagnose 11 features of mandibular prognathism, also known as "Habsburg jaw," as well as seven of maxillary deficiency, most recognized by a prominent lower lip and overhanging nasal tip.

From Fox News

Scans revealed he had sustained a nasal fracture and maxillary injury but it was reported he was awake and talking to doctors.

From The Guardian