jaw (redirected from jawing)

jaw

Either of two bones that frame the mouth: a movable lower jaw (mandible) and a fixed upper jaw (maxilla). These hold the teeth (see tooth) and are used for biting and chewing and in speech. Vertical portions at the back of the lower jaw form hinge joints at the temples. The front of its arch thickens to form the chin. The upper jaw is attached to bones at the bridge of the nose, in the eye sockets and roof of the mouth, and the cheekbones. It contains the large maxillary sinus.

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jaw

1. the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth. In higher vertebrates it consists of the upper jaw (maxilla) fused to the cranium and the lower jaw (mandible)

2. the corresponding part of an invertebrate, esp an insect

3. a pair or either of a pair of hinged or sliding components of a machine or tool designed to grip an object

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jaw [jȯ]

(anatomy)

Either of two bones forming the skeleton of the mouth of vertebrates: the upper jaw or maxilla, and the lower jaw or mandible.

(engineering)

A notched part that permits a railroad-car axle box to move vertically.

(geology)

The side of a narrow passage such as a gorge.