What does incisor mean?
An incisor is one of the sharp-edged front teeth in the mouth. Humans have eight incisors, four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw, and they are designed primarily for biting into and cutting food. The two central teeth in each jaw are often called the front teeth, while the narrower teeth beside them are the lateral incisors. Although they are often overlooked because they are smaller than the molars, incisors play an important everyday role: they help create the first bite into food and can also bring it to the lips. The word comes from Latin, where it literally refers to a cutter. In general discussion, incisor is a technical anatomical term, while descriptions of a person’s smile may more informally mention the front teeth.
nounOne of the four pairs of front teeth in the upper and lower jaws, adapted for cutting and biting into food. In humans, the two central incisors are also called the upper and lower front teeth.
- A front tooth with a sharp edge, used for biting and cutting food.
- A tooth in the front of the mouth, including the central and lateral incisors.
"The sharp edge of an incisor is useful for biting into a crisp apple."
"The dentist examined the child's chipped incisor."
"Incisors and canines are located toward the front of the mouth, while molars grind food at the back."
The plural is commonly used when referring to the teeth collectively or to their position in the mouth.
"Her incisors are bright and evenly aligned."
Your four front teeth are your incisors: nature's small, sharp cutting tools.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incisor come from?
The English word comes from Latin incisor, a “cutter,” formed from incisus, the past participle of incidere, “to cut into.” That verb combines the prefix in- with caedere, “to cut.” English borrowed the Latin noun for the cutting teeth at the front of the mouth, and related English forms include incise, incision, and incisive.
Related word forms
How incisor is actually used
In human anatomy, the term is normally used for the eight front teeth, four in each jaw. In zoology, it can refer more generally to teeth at the front of an animal's mouth.
Easily confused with incisor
Incisors are front teeth adapted for biting and cutting, whereas molars are back teeth mainly used for grinding.