noun / adjective
molar
MOH-ler/ˈməʊlər/
A large back tooth used for grinding food.
The broad molars at the back have raised chewing surfaces.
Etymology
A molar is a millstone-like tooth: its broad surface grinds food rather than cutting or piercing it. The Latin expression literally described a grinding tooth.
In context
the fifth type of tooth that is somewhat rare in most people is the third molar also known as wisdom tooth wisdom teeth sometimes can be removed
More examples
- The dentist fills a cavity in my lower molar.
- My daughter's first permanent molars are coming in.
- Food sometimes gets stuck between my molar teeth.
Forms
molar · molars
Similar words
- tooth
- A broader term covering incisors, canines, and molars alike.