molar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (medical, dental, scientific), Neutral (when referring to teeth in general contexts)
Quick answer
What does “molar” mean?
One of the large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding food.
1. (Chemistry/Physics) Of, relating to, or being a solution that contains one mole of solute per litre of solution. 2. (Physics/Engineering) Denoting a quantity (e.g., mass) per unit amount of substance (one mole).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are the primary differences. Usage of 'molar' for teeth is identical. In scientific contexts, terminology is standardised internationally.
Connotations
Identical connotations for both senses: functional (teeth), precise/quantitative (chemistry).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in general discourse in the US due to higher visibility of dental marketing/advertising.
Grammar
How to Use “molar” in a Sentence
[molar] + [noun] (tooth, mass, concentration)[adjective] + [molar] (impacted, permanent, molar)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molar” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dentist identified an impacted molar tooth.
- They prepared a one molar solution of sodium chloride.
American English
- The dentist identified an impacted molar tooth.
- We need to calculate the molar mass of the compound.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary usage is in dentistry, chemistry, physics, and materials science.
Everyday
Used when discussing dental health, toothache, or dental procedures.
Technical
Precise anatomical descriptor (dentistry); unit of concentration or a property per mole (chemistry/physics).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “molar”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molar”
- Misspelling as 'moller' or 'molar'. Confusing 'molar' (tooth/unit) with 'molten' (melted). Incorrectly using 'molarity' as a synonym for 'molar concentration' (molarity is the concept, molar is the unit).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'molar' is a standard anatomical term for the grinding teeth in many mammals, not just humans.
'Molar' is an adjective describing a solution's concentration (e.g., a 2 molar solution) or a unit (e.g., molar mass). 'Molarity' (symbol M) is the noun form of the concentration measurement.
An adult typically has 12 molars (3 on each side, top and bottom), including the wisdom teeth.
Rarely. In scientific contexts, it remains primarily an adjective (molar mass, molar volume). The noun use is almost exclusively dental/anatomical.
One of the large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding food.
Molar is usually formal (medical, dental, scientific), neutral (when referring to teeth in general contexts) in register.
Molar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MOLE digging (grinding) through the earth at the BACK of your garden, just like your MOLARs grind food at the BACK of your mouth.
Conceptual Metaphor
MILLSTONE (for teeth): Molars are the millstones of the mouth, performing the heavy grinding work.
Practice
Quiz
In a chemistry context, what does 'molar' most specifically refer to?