premolar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “premolar” mean?
Any of the eight bicuspid teeth located between the canines and molars in the human dentition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of the eight bicuspid teeth located between the canines and molars in the human dentition.
In mammalian dentition, a transitional tooth positioned between the anterior canines and posterior molars, adapted for both tearing and grinding. In non-mammalian contexts, a term occasionally used in zoology to describe similarly positioned teeth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. The term is identical in both varieties. Dentists in both regions may also use the synonym 'bicuspid'.
Connotations
Clinical, precise, anatomical. No regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general conversation in both regions. Its frequency is almost entirely confined to professional and academic contexts related to dentistry or biology.
Grammar
How to Use “premolar” in a Sentence
The [first/second] premolar [verb: erupted/was extracted/is impacted].The dentist examined the [patient's] premolar.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “premolar” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The premolar region showed signs of decay.
- We noted a premolar extraction site.
American English
- The premolar crown was prepared for a ceramic restoration.
- Premolar development occurs during adolescence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in dental, medical, and biological texts and lectures (e.g., 'The study focused on caries prevalence in the mandibular premolars.').
Everyday
Extremely rare. A non-expert would say, "I need a filling in one of my back teeth."
Technical
The primary context. Used in dental diagnoses, procedures, anatomical descriptions, and zoological classifications (e.g., 'The orthodontist recommended extracting the upper first premolars to create space.').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “premolar”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “premolar”
- Misspelling as 'premoler' or 'pre-molar' (though the hyphenated form is sometimes seen).
- Incorrect pluralization as 'premolar' for multiple teeth.
- Using it in casual conversation where 'back tooth' is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Premolars (bicuspids) are transitional teeth with typically one or two cusps, located directly behind the canines. Molars are the larger, flatter teeth at the very back of the mouth, with multiple cusps designed for grinding food.
No. The primary (baby) dentition consists of incisors, canines, and molars only. Premolars are permanent teeth that erupt to replace the primary molars, typically between the ages of 10 and 12.
In human dentistry, yes, they are generally used interchangeably. 'Bicuspid' describes the tooth's two-cusp shape, while 'premolar' describes its position. Some zoologists might use 'premolar' for teeth that are not strictly bicuspid.
The most common reason is orthodontic treatment to create space for correcting tooth crowding or misalignment. They may also be extracted due to severe decay, trauma, or impaction.
Any of the eight bicuspid teeth located between the canines and molars in the human dentition.
Premolar is usually technical/medical in register.
Premolar: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpriːˈməʊlə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /priˈmoʊlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think PRE-MOLAR: it comes BEFORE the MOLAR teeth in your mouth.
Conceptual Metaphor
A transitional object (between the sharp, tearing canines and the flat, grinding molars).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'premolar' MOST likely to be used?