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maxilla: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/makˈsɪlə/US/mækˈsɪlə/

Technical/Scientific/Medical

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Quick answer

What does “maxilla” mean?

The upper jawbone, particularly in vertebrates.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The upper jawbone, particularly in vertebrates.

In entomology and zoology, refers to one of the paired appendages or mouthparts in arthropods, used for handling food; in anatomy, a major bone of the midface that forms part of the orbit, nasal cavity, and palate.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.

Connotations

Technical, precise, clinical. No regional connotations.

Frequency

Equally low and specialised in both varieties.

Grammar

How to Use “maxilla” in a Sentence

fracture of the [maxilla]surgery on the [maxilla]the [maxilla] is attached tothe [maxilla] formsto reconstruct the [maxilla]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
fracture of the maxillamaxilla and mandiblezygomatic process of the maxillapalatine process of the maxillamaxilla bone
medium
reconstruct the maxillatumour in the maxillaleft/right maxillaedentulous maxilla
weak
upper maxilla (redundant but common in lay contexts)pain in the maxilladevelopment of the maxilla

Examples

Examples of “maxilla” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The maxillary sinus can become inflamed.
  • It was a complex maxillofacial injury.

American English

  • The maxillary arch was assessed by the orthodontist.
  • Maxillary advancement surgery was recommended.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Frequent in anatomy, biology, dentistry, and medical journals. (e.g., 'The study examined fractures of the zygomaticomaxillary complex.')

Everyday

Virtually never used. 'Upper jaw' is the common term.

Technical

The primary context. Used in surgical plans, diagnoses, zoological descriptions, and anatomical texts.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “maxilla”

Neutral

upper jawupper jawbone

Weak

upper jaw complex (in technical contexts)maxillary bone

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “maxilla”

mandiblelower jaw

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “maxilla”

  • Pronouncing it as /mækˈsiːlə/ (max-eela).
  • Using 'maxilla' to refer to the lower jaw.
  • Using the term in casual conversation where 'upper jaw' would be appropriate.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in common parlance, but 'maxilla' refers specifically to the bone itself, while 'upper jaw' can refer to the entire functional unit including teeth and soft tissue.

Anatomically, humans have two maxillae (left and right) that fuse at the midline. The singular 'maxilla' often refers to the entire upper jawbone structure collectively.

'Maxilla' is a noun (the bone). 'Maxillary' is the corresponding adjective (e.g., maxillary sinus, maxillary nerve).

No, it is a specialised term. General English learners only need 'upper jaw'. It is essential vocabulary for medical, dental, or biological fields.

The upper jawbone, particularly in vertebrates.

Maxilla is usually technical/scientific/medical in register.

Maxilla: in British English it is pronounced /makˈsɪlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /mækˈsɪlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'MAXimum chewing happens with the upper jaw, the MAXilla.'

Conceptual Metaphor

The maxilla is a FOUNDATION/PLATFORM (for the upper teeth and midface structure).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
In facial trauma, a fracture of the is often more complex than a simple mandible fracture.
Multiple Choice

In which of the following contexts is the term 'maxilla' LEAST likely to be used?