mandible

US /ˈmæn.də.bəl/
UK /ˈmæn.də.bəl/
"mandible" picture
1.

the jaw or a jawbone, especially in mammals the lower jawbone

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The paleontologist carefully examined the fossilized mandible of the ancient creature.
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A broken mandible can make eating and speaking very difficult.
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jawjawbonelower jaw
2.

either half of the crushing organ in the mouthparts of an insect or other arthropod

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The beetle uses its strong mandibles to chew through wood.
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Ants have powerful mandibles for carrying food and digging tunnels.
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jawmouthpart