isognathy
|i-so-gnath-y|
/ˌaɪsəˈnæθi/
equal jaws
Etymology
'isognathy' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'isos' and 'gnathē', where 'isos' meant 'equal' and 'gnathē' meant 'jaw'.
'isognathy' was formed as a neo-classical scientific coinage (via New Latin/Neo-Greek formation) from Greek roots in the 19th century and entered modern English usage in anatomical/zoological literature as 'isognathy'.
Initially, it meant 'having equal jaws' in technical descriptions of anatomy; this specialized anatomical meaning has largely remained stable into modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the condition or quality of having jaws of equal size; equality of jaw structure, used chiefly in zoology and anatomy.
The paleontologist noted the isognathy of the fossil's mandibles when classifying the specimen.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/17 17:55