odontoblast

[ oh-don-tuh-blast ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. one of a layer of cells lining the pulp cavity of a tooth, from which dentin is formed.

odontoblast

/ ɒˈdɒntəˌblæst /

noun

1. any of a layer of cells lining the pulp cavity of a tooth and giving rise to the dentine

Derived Forms

• oˌdontoˈblastic, adjective

Other Words From

• o·donto·blastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of odontoblast¹

First recorded in 1875–80; odonto- + -blast

Example Sentences

The target is called TRPC5, and Prof Zimmermann's team at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany traced its location to a specific cell type - the odontoblast - that resides between the soft inner pulp and the hard outer layer of teeth composed of dentine, then enamel.

From BBC