jaw
1either of two bones, the mandible or maxilla, forming the framework of the mouth.
the part of the face covering these bones, the mouth, or the mouth parts collectively: My jaw is swollen.
jaws, anything resembling a pair of jaws or evoking the concept of grasping and holding: the jaws of a gorge; the jaws of death.
Machinery.
one of two or more parts, as of a machine, that grasp or hold something: the jaws of a vise.
any of two or more protruding parts for attaching to or meshing with similar parts.
Often jaws .Also called throat .Nautical. a forked piece at the end of a gaff, fitting halfway around the mast.
Slang.
idle talk; chatter.
impertinent talk.
Slang. to scold.
Origin of jaw
1Other words from jaw
- jawless, adjective
Words Nearby jaw
Other definitions for jaw (2 of 2)
a swelling wave of water; billow.
(of liquid) to surge, splash, or dash forward, as in waves.
to pour or splash (liquid).
Origin of jaw
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use jaw in a sentence
Aviation experts across the world experienced severe jaw dropping at this news.
Annoying Airport Delays Might Prevent You From Becoming the Next AirAsia 8501 | Clive Irving | January 6, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTIt took me 1,015 strokes to see this shade of green in a world of orange, and my jaw nearly dropped.
Lost For Thousands of Strokes: 'Desert Golfing' Is 'Angry Birds' as Modern Art | Alec Kubas-Meyer | January 2, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTThe industry lore is downright jaw-dropping in the details of the cons known as “brick-in-box” returns.
The Insane $11 Billion Scam at Retailers’ Return Desks | M.L. Nestel | December 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTEven by the already money-drenched standards of American politics, the Eldridge campaign was a jaw-dropping spectacle to behold.
The Rise and Fall of Chris Hughes and Sean Eldridge, America’s Worst Gay Power Couple | James Kirchick | December 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd soon all of America got to see Ray in the ring with Janay, hitting her with a shot in the jaw.
My coup-d'œil assured me that it was practicable to give to this feature the character of a projecting under-jaw.
Checkmate | Joseph Sheridan Le FanuHe usually seizes his prey by the flank near the hind leg, or by the throat below the jaw.
Hunting the Lions | R.M. BallantyneHe had had his jaw smashed but I have seen men pull longer faces at breaking a collar stud.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I | Ian HamiltonHe had a long pale face with an indifferent complexion and the common American lantern jaw.
Ancestors | Gertrude AthertonThe constable stared at the cadet for a moment and then his jaw dropped and likewise the club in his hand.
The Mystery at Putnam Hall | Arthur M. Winfield
British Dictionary definitions for jaw
/ (dʒɔː) /
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): Related adjectives: gnathal, gnathic
the corresponding part of an invertebrate, esp an insect
a pair or either of a pair of hinged or sliding components of a machine or tool designed to grip an object
slang
impudent talk; cheek
idle conversation; chat
moralizing talk; a lecture
(intr) slang
to talk idly; chat; gossip
to lecture
Origin of jaw
1- See also jaws
Derived forms of jaw
- jawlike, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for jaw
[ jô ]
Either of two bony or cartilaginous structures that in most vertebrate animals form the framework of the mouth, hold the teeth, and are used for biting and chewing food. The lower, movable part of the jaw is the mandible. The upper, fixed part is the maxilla.
Any of various structures of invertebrate animals, such as the pincers of spiders or mites, that function similarly to the jaws of vertebrates.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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