molar

1
[ moh-ler ]
/ ˈmoʊ lər /

noun

Also called molar tooth. a tooth having a broad biting surface adapted for grinding, being one of twelve in humans, with three on each side of the upper and lower jaws.

adjective

adapted for grinding, as teeth.
pertaining to such teeth.

Origin of molar

1
1535–45; < Latin molāris grinder, short for ( dēns) molāris grinding (tooth), equivalent to mol(a) millstone + -āris -ar1

Example sentences from the Web for molars

British Dictionary definitions for molars (1 of 2)

molar 1
/ (ˈməʊlə) /

noun

any of the 12 broad-faced grinding teeth in man
a corresponding tooth in other mammals

adjective

of, relating to, or designating any of these teeth
used for or capable of grinding

Word Origin for molar

C16: from Latin molāris for grinding, from mola millstone

British Dictionary definitions for molars (2 of 2)

molar 2
/ (ˈməʊlə) /

adjective

(of a physical quantity) per unit amount of substance molar volume
(not recommended in technical usage) (of a solution) containing one mole of solute per litre of solution

Word Origin for molar

C19: from Latin mōlēs a mass

Scientific definitions for molars (1 of 2)

molar 1
[ mōlər ]

Chemistry

Relating to a mole.
Containing one mole of solute per liter of solution.

Scientific definitions for molars (2 of 2)

molar 2
[ mōlər ]

Any of the teeth located toward the back of the jaws, having broad crowns for grinding food. Adult humans have 12 molars.

Cultural definitions for molars

molars
[ (moh-luhrz) ]

The teeth with broad surfaces at the back of the mouth that serve to grind food. Including the wisdom teeth, adults have twelve molars — six on the top and six on the bottom. (Compare incisors and canines.)