mandible
nounUK /ˈmændɪb(ə)l/
US /ˈmændəb(ə)l/
The mandible is the bone in your lower jaw that holds your bottom teeth.
The dentist explained that the mandible moves when you chew and talk.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Either of the two biting mouthparts of an insect or other arthropod.
The beetle's mandibles snapped shut around the leaf.
3. The upper and lower parts of a bird's beak.
The parrot used its strong mandible to crack the nut.
4. Either of the two halves of a crustacean's or arthropod's mouthparts.
The crab's mandibles helped it tear apart its food.