mandible

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the jaw in vertebrates that is hinged to open the mouth

2. 2
   noun

   The jaw or a jawbone, especially the lower jawbone in mammals and fishes.

3. 3
   noun

   Either of the upper and lower segments of a bird's beak.

4. 4
   noun

   Any of various invertebrate mouthparts serving to hold or bite food materials.

From late Middle English, from Late Latin mandibula (“a jaw”), from mandō (“to chew, masticate”) + -bula (instrument noun suffix).

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