rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydentitionTooth pattern
noun

dentition

den-TISH-un/denˈtɪʃn/

The formation and arrangement of teeth.

The model displays adult dentition in complete upper and lower arches.

An open anatomical dental model displays complete upper and lower adult tooth arches, making their orderly arrangement and the distinct shapes of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars visible together.
Etymology
dentitLatinto cut the teeth
+ionLatinaction or process

Originally the process of cutting teeth, dentition came to describe the teeth themselves as a set—their kind, number, and arrangement.

In context

TED2:41
resulted in long-term changes in the dentition, in the teeth, of the Japanese public. And we are also changing our teeth right now.
Edward Tenner: Unintended consequences

More examples

  • A shark's dentition includes several rows of sharp teeth.
  • The X-ray shows how her permanent dentition is developing.
  • Researchers compare the dentitions of two fossil skulls.

Forms

dentition · dentitions

dental adjective — Relating to teeth and their care.

Similar words

teething
Refers only to teeth emerging, especially in young children.