incisor

[ in-sahy-zer ]

noun

, Dentistry.

1. any of the four anterior teeth in each jaw, used for cutting and gnawing.

incisor

/ ɪnˈsaɪzə /

noun

1. a chisel-edged tooth at the front of the mouth. In man there are four in each jaw

incisor

/ ĭn-sī′zər /

1. A sharp-edged tooth in mammals that is adapted for cutting or gnawing. The incisors are located in the front of the mouth between the canine teeth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of incisor¹

1665–75; < New Latin: literally, cutter, equivalent to Latin incīd ( ere ) to incise + -tor -tor, with -dt- > -s-

Example Sentences

To learn more about the composition of rodent tooth enamel, Vesna Srot and colleagues captured high-resolution images of incisor specimens from several species.

From Science Daily

Their large mouths, which can open up to 180 degrees, reveal large canines and incisors used primarily for defense.

From Salon

When the singer and songwriter Adrianne Lenker was 21, she was involved in a bike accident that knocked out one of her incisors.

From New York Times

Additionally, burnt plant remains from the sites and distinct dental-wear patterns on the individuals' upper incisors indicate that tubers -- or plants that grow underground, such as potatoes -- likely were the most prominent subsistence resource.

From Science Daily

The gorilla, for example, needs strong muscles near the ear to chew fibrous vegetable matter, while the chimpanzee uses its incisors to bite into tasty fruit.

From Salon

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