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
Words nearby wisdom tooth
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
[ wĭz′dəm ]
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
[ wĭz′dəm ]
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.