jaw

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Derived terms 1.3.2 Translations 1.3.3 See also 1.4 Verb

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English jawe, jowe. Origin uncertain. Perhaps representing unattested Old English *cēowe ( = German Keu, Dutch kieuw), a modification of chaw (related to chew), French joue (“‘cheek’”), whose origin is also uncertain, or an apocopated form of M.E. chavell, chawl "jaw" from Old English ceafl "jaw", the source of English jowl "jaw, cheek", which it replaced. More at jowl

[edit] Pronunciation

• enPR: jôr, IPA: /ʤɔː/, SAMPA: /dZO:/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

• Rhymes: -ɔː

[edit] Noun

jaw (plural jaws)

1. One of the bones, usually bearing teeth, which form the framework of the mouth.
2. The bone itself with the teeth and covering.
3. (figuratively) Anything resembling the jaw of an animal in form or action; especially plural, the mouth or way of entrance; as, the jaws of a pass; the jaws of darkness; the jaws of death.
4. A notch or opening.
5. A notched or forked part, adapted for holding an object in place; as, the jaw of a railway-car pedestal. See Axle guard.
6. One of a pair of opposing parts which are movable towards or from each other, for grasping or crushing anything between them, as, the jaws of a vise, or the jaws of a stone-crushing machine.
7. The inner end of a boom or gaff, hollowed in a half circle so as to move freely on a mast.
8. Impudent or abusive talk.
9. (slang) Axle guard.

[edit] Derived terms

• slack-jawed

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• chin

[edit] Verb

to jaw (third-person singular simple present jaws, present participle jawing, simple past and past participle jawed)

1. (transitive) To assail or abuse by scolding.
2. (intransitive) To scold; to clamor.
3. (intransitive, informal) To talk; to converse.