diastema

[ dahy-uh-stee-muh ]

noun

, plural di·a·ste·ma·ta [dahy-, uh, -, stee, -m, uh, -t, uh].

1. Cell Biology. the modified protoplasm at the equator of a cell, existing before mitotic division.
2. Dentistry. a space between two teeth, especially a space between a canine and an incisor of the upper jaw into which a lower canine occludes.

diastema

/ ˌdaɪəˈstiːmə /

noun

1. an abnormal space, fissure, or cleft in a bodily organ or part
2. a gap between the teeth

Word History and Origins

Origin of diastema¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin < Greek: interval, equivalent to diastē, variant stem of diastánai to stand apart + -ma noun suffix denoting the result of action

Word History and Origins

Origin of diastema¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek: gap, from diistanai to separate; see diastasis

Example Sentences

The underlying cause of the diastema needs to be addressed, whatever course of action a dentist suggests.

From New York Times

These days Ms. Hutton is just one in a roster of celebrities and runway stars embracing what is known in orthodontic circles as a midline diastema.

From New York Times

From B. minimus, B. kolbi differs in: molar row longer; m3 larger; jaw larger; diastema not so acutely curved; incisor shorter, narrower transversely, more pro�dont.

From Project Gutenberg

The genus is characterized by maxillary teeth of equal size followed by a diastema and two enlarged grooved fangs.

From Project Gutenberg

There are 12 and 13 maxillary teeth that increase in size posteriorly; these are followed by a short diastema and two larger, solid teeth.

From Project Gutenberg