First Known Use: 1578
Dictionary
masseter
noun mas·se·ter \mə-ˈsē-tər, ma-\
Definition of MASSETER
: a large muscle that raises the lower jaw and assists in mastication
— mas·se·ter·ic \ˌma-sə-ˈter-ik\ adjective
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Origin of MASSETER
New Latin, from Greek masētēr, from masasthai to chew — more at mandible
Medical Dictionary
masseter
noun mas·se·ter \mə-ˈsēt-ər, ma-\
Medical Definition of MASSETER
: a large muscle that raises the lower jaw and assists in mastication, arises from the zygomatic arch and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, and is inserted into the mandibular ramus and gonial angle
—mas·se·ter·ic \ˌmas-ə-ˈter-ik\ adjective
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