maxilla

Meaning

1. Synonym of jaw.
2. Synonym of jaw.
3. One of the first or second pair of mouthparts posterior to the mandibles in many arthropods that are used for tasting and manipulating food.

Synonyms

upper jaw

upper jawbone

jawbone

jaw

maxillary

jaw-bone

Pronounced as (IPA)

/mækˈsɪl.ə/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: -

In summary

From Middle English, from Latin māxilla (“the jawbone, jaw”), diminutive of māla (“the cheekbone, jaw”).