maxillary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical/scientific/medical
Quick answer
What does “maxillary” mean?
Relating to the upper jawbone (maxilla).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the upper jawbone (maxilla).
Pertaining to the maxilla or its associated structures, such as sinuses, arteries, or nerves. In biology, describing anatomical features near or part of the jaw.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term identically in technical fields.
Connotations
Neutral, purely anatomical/medical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties outside specialised fields.
Grammar
How to Use “maxillary” in a Sentence
adjective + noun (e.g., maxillary sinus)noun + of + maxillary (e.g., fracture of the maxillary)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maxillary” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The scan revealed a cyst in the maxillary sinus.
- He suffered a complex maxillary fracture in the accident.
American English
- The dentist identified an issue with the maxillary first molar.
- The procedure involved the maxillary artery.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Common in medical, dental, and biological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in anatomy, dentistry, oral surgery, and ENT (ear, nose, throat) medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “maxillary”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “maxillary”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maxillary”
- Incorrect spelling: 'maxilliary', 'maxilarry'.
- Using as a noun (e.g., 'the maxillary') without a following noun in non-technical speech.
- Confusing 'maxillary' (upper jaw) with 'mandibular' (lower jaw).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a technical term used primarily in medical, dental, and biological contexts. It is very rare in everyday conversation.
'Maxillary' refers to the upper jaw (maxilla), while 'mandibular' refers to the lower jaw (mandible).
In standard usage, it is an adjective. The noun form is 'maxilla'. In very technical jargon, you might see 'the maxillary' meaning 'the maxillary bone', but this is not common.
It is an air-filled cavity located within the maxillary bone (cheekbone). It is one of the paranasal sinuses and can become infected, causing sinusitis.
Relating to the upper jawbone (maxilla).
Maxillary is usually technical/scientific/medical in register.
Maxillary: in British English it is pronounced /makˈsɪləri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæksəˌleri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MAX-illary' – your MAXimum chewing power comes from your upper jaw (maxilla).
Conceptual Metaphor
The maxillary is often conceptualised as a foundational ARCH (like the dental arch) or a HOUSING structure (for sinuses and teeth).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'maxillary' MOST commonly used?