Jaw
1. (Science: anatomy) One of the bones, usually bearing teeth, which form the framework of the mouth. Hence, also, the bone itself with the teeth and covering.
in the plural, the mouth.
2. Anything resembling the jaw of an animal in form or action; especially, pl, the mouth or way of entrance; as, the jaws of a pass; the jaws of darkness; the jaws of death.
3. (Science: machinery) a notch or opening. A notched or forked part, adapted for holding an object in place; as, the jaw of a railway-car pedestal. See Axle guard.
One of a pair of opposing parts which are movable towards or from each other, for grasping or crushing anything between them, as, the jaws of a vise, or the jaws of a stone-crushing machine.
4. The inner end of a boom or gaff, hollowed in a half circle so as to move freely on a mast.
5.
Impudent or abusive talk. Jaw bit, a bar across the jaws of a pedestal underneath an axle box. Jaw breaker, a word difficult to pronounce. Jaw rope, a rope which holds the jaws of a gaff to the mast. Jaw tooth, a molar or grinder; a back tooth.
Origin: a modification of chaw, formed under the influence of f. Joue the cheek. See Chaw, Chew.
The part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth.The bones of the skull that frame the mouth and serve to open it; the bones that hold the teeth.The mandible bone of animals, that provides the muscle power for the crushing action used in teeth to break down foodstuffs.
Dictionary > Jaw
You will also like...
Animal Water Regulation
Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..
Plant Water Regulation
Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..
The Water Cycle
The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..
Adaptation Tutorial
Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..
Plant Biology
Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..
The Origins of Life
This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..