buccal

[ buhk-uh l ]
/ ˈbʌk əl /

adjective Anatomy.

of or relating to the cheek.
pertaining to the sides of the mouth or to the mouth; oral.
Dentistry. directed toward the cheek. Compare distal(def 2), mesial(def 2).

Origin of buccal

1825–35; (< F) < Latin bucc(a) (see bucco-) + -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM buccal

buc·cal·ly, adverb post·buc·cal, adjective pre·buc·cal, adjective

Words nearby buccal

bubonocele, bubu, bucaramanga, bucardia, bucca, buccal, buccal artery, buccal cavity, buccal gland, buccal nerve, buccaneer

VOCAB BUILDER

What does buccal mean?

Buccal means relating to or located in the cheeks. It can also mean relating to or located on the sides of the mouth or in the mouth.

Buccal is a technical anatomical term used in the context of medicine. When it means located in the mouth, buccal is synonymous with oral, which is a much more common term.

Buccal is used in anatomical terms like buccal cavity, buccal gland, and buccal nerve.

Example: Buccal fat pads fill the hollow area in the cheeks.

Where does buccal come from?

The first records of buccal in English come from around the 1820s. It’s derived from the Latin bucca, meaning “cheek.”

The masses of fat and muscle that we call cheeks are contained in a pocket of space on our face called the buccal space. The buccal space has an impact on a lot of things, notably the shape of our face and our chewing.

You may have had the inside of your mouth swabbed to obtain a sample for medical testing purposes—this is called buccal swab. A buccal medication is one that you let dissolve between your cheek and your gums (as opposed to one that you dissolve on or under your tongue).

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to buccal?

  • buccally (adverb)
  • postbuccal (adjective)
  • prebuccal (adjective)

What are some synonyms for buccal?

What are some words that share a root or word element with buccal? 

What are some words that often get used in discussing buccal?

How is buccal used in real life?

Buccal is a technical word, so it’s mainly used in the context of medicine by medical professionals like doctors and dentists.

Try using buccal!

Which of the following words is LEAST likely to be used in conjunction with the term buccal?

A. oral
B. cheek
C. mouth
D. chest

Example sentences from the Web for buccal

British Dictionary definitions for buccal

buccal
/ (ˈbʌkəl) /

adjective

of or relating to the cheek
of or relating to the mouth; oral buccal lesion

Word Origin for buccal

C19: from Latin bucca cheek

Medical definitions for buccal

buccal
[ bŭk′əl ]

adj.

Of, relating to, adjacent to, or in the direction of the cheek.
Of or relating to the mouth cavity.