buccal

[ buhk-uhl ]

adjective

, Anatomy.

1. of or relating to the cheek.
2. pertaining to the sides of the mouth or to the mouth; oral.
3. Dentistry. directed toward the cheek. Compare distal ( def 2 ), mesial ( def 2 ).

buccal

/ ˈbʌkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the cheek
2. of or relating to the mouth; oral

   buccal lesion

Other Words From

• buccal·ly adverb
• post·buccal adjective
• pre·buccal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of buccal¹

First recorded in 1825–35; from New Latin buccālis, equivalent to Latin bucca “cheek, mouth” + -ālis adjective suffix; bucco-, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of buccal¹

C19: from Latin bucca cheek

Example Sentences

The ear communicates with the buccal cavity by the Eustachian tube, so does the branchial chamber by means of the gill-slits.

From Project Gutenberg

The fifth cusp always appears in the middle of the heel, or between the posterior lingual and the posterior buccal.

From Project Gutenberg

The lingual tubercle is very constant on the first bicuspid of man and is as well developed as the buccal.

From Project Gutenberg

They, however, resemble even as much in arrangement and greater number the buccal cirri of Amphioxus.

From Project Gutenberg

Rod-like cuticular continuation of inner jaw, lying in a pit of the buccal cavity.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Buccal

What does buccal mean?

Buccal means relating to or located in the cheeks. It can also mean relating to or located on the sides of the mouth or in the mouth.

Buccal is a technical anatomical term used in the context of medicine. When it means located in the mouth, buccal is synonymous with oral, which is a much more common term.

Buccal is used in anatomical terms like buccal cavity, buccal gland, and buccal nerve.

Example: Buccal fat pads fill the hollow area in the cheeks.

Where does buccal come from?

The first records of buccal in English come from around the 1820s. It’s derived from the Latin bucca, meaning “cheek.”

The masses of fat and muscle that we call cheeks are contained in a pocket of space on our face called the buccal space. The buccal space has an impact on a lot of things, notably the shape of our face and our chewing.

You may have had the inside of your mouth swabbed to obtain a sample for medical testing purposes—this is called buccal swab. A buccal medication is one that you let dissolve between your cheek and your gums (as opposed to one that you dissolve on or under your tongue).

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to buccal?

• buccally (adverb)
• postbuccal (adjective)
• prebuccal (adjective)

What are some synonyms for buccal?

• oral

What are some words that share a root or word element with buccal? 

• bucca
• saltimbocca

What are some words that often get used in discussing buccal?

• cheek
• mouth
• anatomy
• mandibular
• reconstructive
• surgery
• dental

How is buccal used in real life?

Buccal is a technical word, so it’s mainly used in the context of medicine by medical professionals like doctors and dentists.

There has been a lot of interest in GeneDx’s buccal kits lately; they are easy to use and mess free (no spit required!) but do you know how and when to use buccal swabs for genetic testing? Find out how swab savvy you are with our interactive quiz below! https://t.co/9R1iaIJlnj

— GeneDx (@GeneDx) April 15, 2020

The nurse prepares to administer buccal medication. The medicine should be placed Between the client’s cheeks and gums

— special nusre rose (@h7h737) September 12, 2014

These Instagram filters got me convinced I need lip, cheekbone and chin fillers, a nose job, buccal fat removal and LV face tattoos.

— WAIFU (@m497776881) October 31, 2019

Try using buccal!

Which of the following words is LEAST likely to be used in conjunction with the term buccal?

A. oral
B. cheek
C. mouth
D. chest