Jaw

Pronunciation

/dʒɔː/

Definitions

• Noun: The lower part of the face that holds the teeth and is moved to chew food or to speak. For example: “He clenched his jaw in anger.”
• Noun (figurative): A person’s ability to withstand hardship or difficulty; resilience. For example: “The team showed real jaw during the tough match.”
• Noun (plural form “jaws”): The opening or mouth of something, such as a tool or machine. For example: “The pliers have strong steel jaws.”

Phrases

• “Drop one’s jaw” means to be very surprised or shocked, causing one’s mouth to open wide.
• “Set one’s jaw” refers to the act of firmly resolving oneself to endure something difficult.
• “Lockjaw” is a medical condition characterized by a spasm of the muscles around the jaw, making it difficult to open the mouth.

Example Sentences

• Noun (anatomy): “The surgeon reset the patient’s broken jaw after the accident.”
• Noun (figurative): “She had the kind of jaw that suggested she could handle any challenge thrown her way.”
• Noun (plural form): “The alligator’s powerful jaws snapped shut with a loud clap.”

Synonyms

• Mandible
• Mouth
• Jowl
• Chin
• Bite (in the context of ‘powerful bite’ referring to the strength of the jaw)
• Resilience (in the figurative sense)