masseter

Everyday

1. (science) The strong muscle in each cheek that pulls the lower jaw up, so you can close your mouth and chew. tree →
2. For its size, it is one of the strongest muscles in the body. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about muscles and the body, the masseter is the chewing muscle; you can feel it bulge in your cheek when you clench your teeth. Phrases: masseter muscle.

Examples

• The masseter helps you chew your food. tree →
• Clench your teeth and feel your masseter at the side of your face. tree →
• The masseter is a very strong muscle for its size. tree →
• Animals that chew a lot, like cows, have big masseters. tree →
• Grinding your teeth at night can make the masseter sore. tree →
• The dentist pressed on my masseter to check it. tree →

Note

Countable. Pronounced muh-SEE-ter. A science and medical word. Do not confuse with «master» or «masseur» (a person who gives massages).