Definitions for: Maxilla


[n] the upper jawbone in vertebrates ; it is fused to the cranium



Webster (1913) Definition: Max*il"la, n.; pl. Maxill[ae]. [L., dim. of mala
jaw, jawbone.]
1. (Anat.)
(a) The bone of either the upper or the under jaw.
(b) The bone, or principal bone, of the upper jaw, the
bone of the lower jaw being the mandible. [Now
commonly used in this restricted sense.]

2. (Zo["o]l.) One of the lower or outer jaws of arthropods.

Note: There are usually two pairs in Crustacea and one pair
in insects. In certain insects they are not used as
jaws, but may form suctorial organs. See Illust. under
Lepidoptera, and Diptera.

Synonyms: upper jaw, upper jawbone

See Also: bone, hard palate, intermaxillary suture, jaw, os, sutura intermaxillaris

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
animals begin with z
animals starting with t