masseter

[ ma-see-ter ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. a short, thick, masticatory muscle, the action of which assists in closing the jaws by raising the mandible or lower jaw.

masseter

/ ˌmæsɪˈtɛrɪk; mæˈsiːtə /

noun

1. anatomy a muscle of the cheek used in moving the jaw, esp in chewing

Derived Forms

• masseteric, adjective

Other Words From

• mas·se·ter·ic [mas-i-, ter, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of masseter¹

1660–70; < New Latin < Greek massētḗr, variant of masētḗr chewer, masseter, equivalent to masē-, variant stem of masâsthai to chew + -tēr agentive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of masseter¹

C17: from New Latin from Greek masētēr one who chews, from masāsthai to chew

Example Sentences

There was also evidence of an evolutionary connection between the extramandibular fat and the masseter muscle, which in humans connects the lower jawbone to the cheekbones and is a key muscle involved in chewing.

From Science Daily

The rise of processed foods — beginning with the invention of canning in the early 1800s — softened diets to the point that the masseter muscles barely had to do any work when chewing.

From New York Times

Because of this, the masseter, the main muscle in your jaw, is also a contender for strongest muscle in the body.

From Scientific American

The lower jaw is large, especially the region of the angle, which is expanded and flattened, giving great surface for the attachment of the masseter muscle.

From Project Gutenberg

The form of the osseous parts which give it origin is, besides, in relation with these differences, and explains the peculiar characters which the masseter presents.

From Project Gutenberg