cementum

noun

ce·​men·​tum si-ˈmen-təm How to pronounce cementum (audio)
: a specialized bony layer of connective tissue covering the dentin of the part of a tooth normally within the gum see tooth illustration

Examples of cementum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Biologists and forensic scientists count cementum rings (these microscopic structures encircle a tooth's root and vary in shade and thickness by season) in teeth for the same reason. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2024 For anchorage, the cementum, ligament and bone grip the tooth at its root portion that is buried under the gum. Samer Zaky, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2024 The ligament, a soft tissue that is about 0.2 millimeters wide (about the diameter of four hairs), attaches the cementum of the root on one end to the bone of the jaw on the other end. Samer Zaky, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2024 In the years sows are pregnant, their teeth will grow a thick cementum layer from gaining so much weight. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 28 Sep. 2023 Meanwhile, Matson’s boasts an extremely high level of accuracy in its cementum annuli analysis work. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 28 Sep. 2023 An annulus, or dark ring, is formed each winter between the cementum formed in spring and summer growth periods. Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 18 Mar. 2021 From the moment a tooth emerges from the gum, cementum starts to form annual layers, similar to a tree's rings. Jack Guy, CNN, 25 Mar. 2020 The researchers are also working with high-resolution CT scans to develop a non-destructive method of studying cementum. Jack Guy, CNN, 25 Mar. 2020

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin caementum

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cementum was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near cementum

Cite this Entry

“Cementum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cementum. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cementum

noun
ce·​men·​tum si-ˈment-əm How to pronounce cementum (audio)
: an outside bony layer that covers the part of the tooth normally within the gum

Medical Definition

cementum

noun
ce·​men·​tum si-ˈment-əm How to pronounce cementum (audio)
: a specialized external bony layer covering the dentin of the part of a tooth normally within the gum

called also cement

compare dentin, enamel

More from Merriam-Webster on cementum

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!