incisor

noun

in·​ci·​sor in-ˈsī-zər How to pronounce incisor (audio)
: a front tooth typically adapted for cutting
especially : one of the cutting teeth in mammals located between the canines when canines are present see tooth illustration

Examples of incisor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Burnt plant remains and dental-wear patterns on individuals’ upper incisors further suggested that these humans consumed a great deal of tubers — plants that grow underground, like potatoes. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 24 Jan. 2024 For instance, cast No. 57 (adult male between 25–30 years old) showed dental wear on the upper incisors and canine teeth, while cast No. 64 (adult male between 45–50 years old) showed evidence of osteoarthritis in the right knee and left femur. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 Aug. 2023 The animal was missing another tooth, and the researchers believe that the earlier loss of that upper incisor caused the tooth next to it to malerupt and likely interfere with chewing. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 2 July 2018 Sixty mandibular incisor teeth were fractured on the incisal one-third and were divided into five groups of 12 each to be stored in normal saline, water, milk, saliva and dry environments for 24 hours. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 2 Dec. 2013 Our different types of teeth—incisors, canines, premolars, and molars—have specific timelines and triggers for growth. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2023 Tooth #25 is a mandibular central incisor, a bottom center tooth. Michelle Madden, New York Times, 21 Oct. 2023 For example, elk and moose incisors and bobcat canines are big enough to preserve, while deer incisors and bear premolars are so small that the whole tooth is destroyed in the aging process. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 28 Sep. 2023 Analysis of a molar and an incisor detected the presence of the AMELX gene, indicating that the remains belonged to a female rather than a male. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incisor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incisor was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near incisor

Cite this Entry

“Incisor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incisor. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

incisor

noun
in·​ci·​sor in-ˈsī-zər How to pronounce incisor (audio)
: a front tooth for cutting
especially : one of the cutting teeth between the canines of a mammal

Medical Definition

incisor

noun
in·​ci·​sor in-ˈsī-zər How to pronounce incisor (audio)
: a front tooth adapted for cutting
especially : any of the eight cutting human teeth that are located between the canines with four in the lower and four in the upper jaw

More from Merriam-Webster on incisor

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