dentition

noun

den·​ti·​tion den-ˈti-shən How to pronounce dentition (audio)
1
: the development and cutting of teeth
2
: the character of a set of teeth especially with regard to their number, kind, and arrangement see tooth illustration
3
: teeth

Examples of dentition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In fact, due to their unique dentition, aardwolves have entirely lost the ability to chew meat. Scott Travers, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 Despite their similar dentition, the sloth lemur and the indri seemed to have as much in common as a Butterball turkey and a hawk. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 The piglet, to arm for this mission, Is born with a warlike dentition Of eight tiny tusks, sharp as sabers, Which help in impressing the neighbors; But to render these weapons less harrowing, Most farmers remove them at farrowing. Judith Stone, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Upper and lower teeth are present with excellent dentition. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for dentition 

Word History

Etymology

Latin dentition-, dentitio, from dentire to cut teeth, from dent-, dens

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dentition was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near dentition

Cite this Entry

“Dentition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dentition. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

dentition

noun
den·​ti·​tion den-ˈtish-ən How to pronounce dentition (audio)
: the number, kind, and arrangement of teeth (as of a person or animal)

Medical Definition

dentition

noun
den·​ti·​tion den-ˈtish-ən How to pronounce dentition (audio)
1
: the development and cutting of teeth
2
: the character of a set of teeth especially with regard to their number, kind, and arrangement
3
: teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on dentition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!