molar
MOH-ler
/ˈməʊ.lər/
One of the large, flat back teeth used for grinding food.
Refers specifically to the broad, multi-cusped posterior teeth in mammals designed for heavy grinding.
The story behind the word. Molar comes from the Latin 'molaris', meaning 'of a millstone', derived from 'mola' (a heavy stone used to grind grain). Ancient Roman physicians noted that these broad back teeth function exactly like heavy millstones, grinding coarse food down into fine particles before swallowing.
Word relationships
- incisor: An incisor is a sharp front tooth for cutting food, whereas a molar is a broad back tooth for grinding.
Commonly confused with
- premolar: Premolars sit between canines and molars and are slightly smaller, whereas molars are larger back grinding teeth.
Word family
- molars (noun): Plural of molar.
Collocations
- upper molar
- lower molar
- third molar
- molar extraction
Example sentences
- "Wisdom teeth are actually third molars that typically erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood." Dental anatomy
Memory hook
MOLAR grinds food like a MILLSTONE in a mill. MOLAR = Grinding back tooth.
When not to use
Do not use molar for sharp front biting teeth (incisors or canines).
Fun facts
- Adult humans typically have 12 molars, including four wisdom teeth, designed to withstand tremendous grinding pressures.
Related words
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