premaxilla

[ pree-mak-sil-uh ]

/ ˌpri mækˈsɪl ə /

noun, plural pre·max·il·lae [pree-mak-sil-ee] /ˌpri mækˈsɪl i/. Anatomy, Zoology.

one of a pair of bones of the upper jaw of vertebrates, situated in front of and between the maxillary bones.

Nearby words

Origin of premaxilla

From the New Latin word praemaxilla, dating back to 1865–70. See pre-, maxilla

Related formspre·max·il·lar·y

[pree-mak-suh-ler-ee] /priˈmæk səˌlɛr i/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for premaxilla

Body of the premaxilla pointed and slightly decurved; its length and breadth less than the basis cranii.
Extinct Birds|Walter Rothschild
Length of premaxilla less than two-and-a-half times that of the basis cranii.
Extinct Birds|Walter Rothschild
These three teeth, which are implanted in the premaxilla, form a distinct group, to which the name of “incisor” is applied.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 5|Various
The small lacrimal bone anterior to the plate articulates with the maxilla and the premaxilla.
Phylogeny of the Waxwings and Allied Birds|M. Dale Arvey

Both the premaxilla and the maxilla develop processes which form a sheath for the vomer.
Speciation in the Brazilian Spiny Rats|Joo Moojen

British Dictionary definitions for premaxilla

premaxilla

/ (ˌpriːmækˈsɪlə) /

noun plural -lae (-liː)

either of two bones situated in the upper jaw between the maxillary bones

Derived Formspremaxillary, adjective

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

Medicine definitions for premaxilla

premaxilla

[ prē′măk-sĭl′ə ]

n.

Either of two bones located in front of and between the maxillary bones in the upper jaw of vertebrates.