wisdom tooth

noun

1. the third molar on each side of the upper and lower jaws: the last tooth to erupt.

wisdom tooth

noun

1. any of the four molar teeth, one at the back of each side of the jaw, that are the last of the permanent teeth to erupt Technical namethird molar
2. cut one's wisdom teeth
   to arrive at the age of discretion

wisdom tooth

/ wĭz′dəm /

1. One of four molars, the last on each side of both jaws in humans, usually appearing in young adulthood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wisdom tooth¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. cut one's wisdom teeth, to attain maturity or discretion.

Example Sentences

Another writer takes off patches of the diseased tissue, and another a strip of the gum, from wisdom-tooth to wisdom-tooth.

From Project Gutenberg

But you might get that cavity in your upper right wisdom tooth taken care of.

From Project Gutenberg

The last lower molar (wisdom tooth) of the gibbon is like that of man, quadri-tuberculate.

From Project Gutenberg

"And they pulled a rotten wisdom tooth for me," said Watkins.

From Project Gutenberg

The right upper wisdom-tooth, the molar next to it, and the second lower molar on the left side, had all extensive gold fillings.

From Project Gutenberg