molar

Everyday

A molar is one of the large, flat-topped teeth at the back of your mouth, used for grinding and chewing food. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about teeth: incisors cut, canines tear, premolars and molars grind. Children get their first adult molars at about age six («six-year molars»), behind their baby teeth. At the dentist, molars often get cavities because food gets stuck in their grooves, so dentists may put sealants on them. Phrases: «back molars», «wisdom teeth» (third molars), «baby molars».

Examples

• Molars are the big teeth at the back of your mouth. tree →
• We chew and grind food with our molars. tree →
• My new adult molar is coming through. tree →
• The dentist sealed my molars to stop cavities. tree →
• Cows have big flat molars for grinding grass. tree →
• Wisdom teeth are the last molars to grow. tree →
• Brush your back molars carefully. tree →
• Lions have sharp teeth, but few grinding molars. tree →

Note

Countable: molars. Pronounced MOH-lar. Adults usually have 12 molars (including 4 wisdom teeth); children have 8 baby molars. Herbivores have big molars; carnivores have sharp teeth for tearing.