lower jaw

lower jaw — noun

1. the U-shaped bone in the face that holds the bottom row of teeth and moves up an

1.nounB2
Definition

the U-shaped bone in the face that holds the bottom row of teeth and moves up and down to open and close the mouth, allowing a person to chew food and speak

Example

The dentist examined the patient's lower jaw for swelling after the root canal treatment.

collocation: examine the lower jaw

An X-ray of the lower jaw showed a small crack near the back molars.

collocation: X-ray of the lower jaw

Common collocations
  • broken lower jaw
  • fractured lower jaw
  • lower jaw surgery
  • lower jaw pain
  • lower jaw bone
  • dislocated lower jaw
Synonyms
  • mandible

    the scientific term used in medicine and biology; more formal than lower jaw

  • jawbone

    general everyday term that can refer to either the upper or lower jawbone, though most often used for the lower

  • lower jawbone

    a synonym that emphasises the bone itself rather than the whole structure

Antonyms
  • upper jaw

    the bone that holds the top row of teeth and does not move (also called the maxilla)

Usage Note

In formal medical contexts, the term mandible is preferred over lower jaw. It is the only movable bone of the skull, hinged to the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint.

Common Mistakes

The doctor wrapped a bandage around his lower jaw and upper jaw.
The doctor wrapped a bandage around his jaw.
When referring to both the upper and lower parts together, use the general word jaw.