jaw
1 Americannoun
-
either of two bones, the mandible or maxilla, forming the framework of the mouth.
-
the part of the face covering these bones, the mouth, or the mouth parts collectively.
My jaw is swollen.
-
jaws, anything resembling a pair of jaws or evoking the concept of grasping and holding.
the jaws of a gorge; the jaws of death.
-
Machinery.
-
one of two or more parts, as of a machine, that grasp or hold something.
the jaws of a vise.
-
any of two or more protruding parts for attaching to or meshing with similar parts.
-
-
Also called throat. Nautical. Often jaws a forked piece at the end of a gaff, fitting halfway around the mast.
-
Slang.
-
idle talk; chatter.
-
impertinent talk.
-
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
-
the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth. In higher vertebrates it consists of the upper jaw (maxilla) fused to the cranium and the lower jaw (mandible)
-
the corresponding part of an invertebrate, esp an insect
-
a pair or either of a pair of hinged or sliding components of a machine or tool designed to grip an object
-
slang
-
impudent talk; cheek
-
idle conversation; chat
-
moralizing talk; a lecture
-
verb
-
Either of two bony or cartilaginous structures that in most vertebrate animals form the framework of the mouth, hold the teeth, and are used for biting and chewing food. The lower, movable part of the jaw is the mandible. The upper, fixed part is the maxilla.
-
Any of various structures of invertebrate animals, such as the pincers of spiders or mites, that function similarly to the jaws of vertebrates.
Other Word Forms
- jawless adjective
- jawlike adjective
Etymology
Origin of jaw1
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English jou(e), goue, jovwe, from Old French jo(u)e, jewe; further origin uncertain
Origin of jaw2
First recorded in 1505–15; perhaps akin to jaup
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She experiences motor twitches, such as jaw jerks, vocal tics and coprolalia - involuntarily using obscene or offensive language - which she says can be "embarrassing" when she's in public.
From BBC
Far out in the desert, the researchers gaped at the six-foot-long femur, the jaw, teeth, and base of the crest.
From Barron's
In keeping with my longstanding policy of avoiding actions that might put me between the jaws of a crocodile, the expedition is not exactly the kind that might entice me to find my wading boots.
Once the spring was securely wired, the jaws of the trap were free and useless.
From Literature
Her cheeks sagged past her jaw and she was hunched over on a gnarled stick that shook under her hand.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
