wisdom tooth


noun

the third molar on each side of the upper and lower jaws: the last tooth to erupt.

Idioms for wisdom tooth

    cut one's wisdom teeth, to attain maturity or discretion.

Origin of wisdom tooth

First recorded in 1660–70

British Dictionary definitions for wisdom teeth

wisdom tooth

noun

any of the four molar teeth, one at the back of each side of the jaw, that are the last of the permanent teeth to erupt Technical name: third molar
cut one's wisdom teeth to arrive at the age of discretion

Medical definitions for wisdom teeth

wisdom tooth
[ wĭzdəm ]

n.

The third molar tooth on both sides of each jaw that erupts from the 17th to the 23rd year.

Scientific definitions for wisdom teeth

wisdom tooth
[ wĭzdəm ]

One of four molars, the last on each side of both jaws in humans, usually appearing in young adulthood.

Cultural definitions for wisdom teeth

wisdom teeth

Four molars, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw, that are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth.

notes for wisdom teeth

These teeth are associated with wisdom because they appear during the late teens or early twenties, when a person is physically mature. Often, the wisdom teeth may not rise above the gum line, but remain impacted in the jaw, causing inflammation. If this impaction occurs, or if they pose a threat to other teeth, the wisdom teeth may need to be removed.