jaw

Everyday

1. One of the two bones at the bottom of the face that hold the teeth; the lower jaw moves when you eat or speak. tree →
2. «Jaws» are the mouth parts of an animal, like a shark's or crocodile's jaws. tree →
3. The parts of a tool that grip things, like the jaws of a vice or pliers. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on the skeleton and teeth: the jaw (mandible) is the only bone in the skull that moves; animals with strong jaws chew or bite hard. In stories: «his jaw dropped» shows great surprise; «in the jaws of danger» means very close to danger. Phrases: «jaw-dropping», «clench your jaw».

Examples

• The crocodile snapped its huge jaws shut. tree →
• My jaw hurts after the dentist. tree →
• Our lower jaw moves when we chew. tree →
• His jaw dropped when he saw the giant cake. tree →
• Sharks have rows of sharp teeth in their jaws. tree →
• The jaws of the clamp hold the wood still. tree →
• The magician did a jaw-dropping trick. tree →
• Then the dragon opened her jaws wider and wider and wider. tree →

Note

Countable: a jaw, jaws. «Jaw-dropping» means amazing. The jaw is a bone, not a muscle, but strong muscles move it. «Jaws» is also the name of a famous scary shark film.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: In Job, the "jaws of the unrighteous" show a righteous person rescuing others from wicked oppressors, and God's question about the hook through Leviathan's jaw shows God's power over great creatures. In the primary lessons: In science lessons on the skeleton and teeth: the jaw (mandible) is the only bone in the skull that moves; animals with strong jaws chew or bite hard. In stories: «his jaw dropped» shows great surprise; «in the jaws of danger» means very close to danger. Phrases: «jaw-dropping», «clench your jaw».

Examples

• And I broke the jaws of the unrighteous, and plucked the prey out of his teeth. (Writings JOB.29.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Canst thou put a ring into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a hook? (Writings JOB.40.26, JPS 1917) tree →
• For a people is come up upon my land, mighty, and without number; his teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the jaw-teeth of a lioness. (Prophets JOL.1.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: a jaw, jaws. «Jaw-dropping» means amazing. The jaw is a bone, not a muscle, but strong muscles move it. «Jaws» is also the name of a famous scary shark film.