noun C1 Advanced

incisor

in-SY-zer

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Incisor (noun) means an incisor is one of the narrow, flat-edged teeth at the front of the mouth, used for cutting rather than grinding. Example: “The dentist checked her front incisors for chips.”

noun

anatomy An incisor is one of the narrow, flat-edged teeth at the front of the mouth, used for cutting rather than grinding.

"The dentist checked her front incisors for chips."

"A rabbit's incisors keep growing throughout its life."

"He knocked out an incisor playing football."

How to use incisor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn incisor is one of the flat front teeth you use to bite into food.

When to use it

It is a standard anatomical term, used in both everyday and clinical speech.

Memory tip

Remember it by the word incise, meaning to cut, since that is exactly what these teeth do.

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Common pairings

front incisor upper incisors chipped incisor incisor teeth

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The dentist checked her front _____ for chips.

Etymology

Incisor came into English from New Latin incisor, itself built on the Latin verb incidere, meaning to cut into. The agent-noun ending, roughly meaning one who or that which does something, was added to give the sense of a tooth that cuts.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for incisor

visor advisor supervisor

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Frequently asked questions

How many incisors do humans have?

Adults have four incisors in each jaw, making eight in total, positioned at the front between the canine teeth.

What is the difference between an incisor and a canine tooth?

Incisors sit at the very front of the mouth and are shaped for cutting food, while canines sit next to them and are more pointed, suited to gripping and tearing.

What is the incisor used for?

It is used mainly for biting and cutting food into smaller pieces before the back teeth grind it.

What is the meaning of incisor?

"incisor" (noun) means an incisor is one of the narrow, flat-edged teeth at the front of the mouth, used for cutting rather than grinding.