First Known Use: 1676
Dictionary
maxilla
noun max·il·la \mak-ˈsi-lə\
plural max·il·lae \-ˈsi-(ˌ)lē, -ˌlī\ or maxillas
Definition of MAXILLA
1
a : jaw 1a b (1) : an upper jaw especially of humans and other mammals in which the bony elements are closely fused (2) : either of the two bones that lie with one on each side of the upper jaw lateral to the premaxilla and that in higher vertebrates bear most of the teeth
2
: one of the first or second pair of mouthparts posterior to the mandibles in many arthropods (as insects or crustaceans)
— max·il·lary \ˈmak-sə-ˌler-ē, chiefly British mak-ˈsi-lə-rē\ adjective or noun
See maxilla defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MAXILLA
Latin, diminutive of mala jaw
MAXILLA Defined for Kids
maxilla
noun max·il·la \mak-ˈsi-lə\
plural max·il·lae \-lē\
Definition of MAXILLA for Kids
1
: an upper jaw especially of a mammal
2
: either of the pair of mouth parts next behind the mandibles of an arthropod (as an insect or a crustacean)
Medical Dictionary
maxilla
noun max·il·la \mak-ˈsil-ə\
plural max·il·lae \-ˈsil-(ˌ)ē, -ˌī\ or maxillas
Medical Definition of MAXILLA
1
: jaw 1a
2
a : an upper jaw especially of humans or other mammals in which the bony elements are closely fused b : either of two membrane bone elements of the upper jaw that lie lateral to the premaxillae and that in higher vertebrates including humans bear most of the teeth
3
: one of the first or second pair of mouthparts posterior to the mandibles in insects, myriopods, crustaceans and closely related arthropods
Learn More About MAXILLA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: maxillipedPrevious Word in the Dictionary: maxi-All Words Near: maxilla
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up maxilla? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).