dentition

noun

den·​ti·​tion den-ˈti-shən 

1

: the development and cutting of teeth

2

: the character of a set of teeth especially with regard to their number, kind, and arrangement see tooth illustration

3

: teeth

Examples of dentition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, due to their unique dentition, aardwolves have entirely lost the ability to chew meat. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

Despite their similar dentition, the sloth lemur and the indri seemed to have as much in common as a Butterball turkey and a hawk. —Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

The piglet, to arm for this mission, Is born with a warlike dentition Of eight tiny tusks, sharp as sabers, Which help in impressing the neighbors; But to render these weapons less harrowing, Most farmers remove them at farrowing. —Judith Stone, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

Upper and lower teeth are present with excellent dentition. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Latin dentition-, dentitio, from dentire to cut teeth, from dent-, dens

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dentition

noun

den·​ti·​tion den-ˈtish-ən 

: the number, kind, and arrangement of teeth (as of a person or animal)

Medical Definition

dentition

noun

den·​ti·​tion den-ˈtish-ən 

1

: the development and cutting of teeth

2

: the character of a set of teeth especially with regard to their number, kind, and arrangement

3

: teeth