The word "alveolar point" is often misspelled due to its tricky pronunciation. It is spelled as /ælˈviələr pɔɪnt/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The first part, "alveolar," refers to the alveolar ridge in the mouth where sounds are articulated. The second part, "point," refers to a particular moment in time or a specific location. In linguistics, the alveolar point is the place where speech sounds transition from being articulated with the tongue touching the teeth to being articulated with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth.
The term "alveolar point" refers to a specific anatomical location in the human body, specifically within the oral cavity. It is a crucial landmark within the dental arch where the upper and lower teeth come into contact during the process of occlusion, which is commonly known as the bite. More precisely, the alveolar point denotes the highest point of contact between the teeth when the jaws are clenched together.
Situated within the alveolar ridge, the bony structure that houses the teeth sockets, the alveolar point plays a crucial role in the overall oral function, such as facilitating chewing and aiding in speech articulation. It is considered a significant aspect of dental occlusion, as it determines how the teeth come together and interlock during the process of mastication.
Dentists and orthodontists often assess the alignment and occlusal relationships of the teeth by examining the position and contact of the alveolar point. This evaluation helps diagnose and recommend potential treatments for various dental conditions, such as malocclusion (misalignment of teeth) or temporomandibular joint disorders.
In summary, the alveolar point is the highest point of contact between the upper and lower teeth during occlusion. It is essential for proper oral function, assists in chewing, and aids in speech production. Assessing the position and contact at this point is fundamental in evaluating dental occlusion and diagnosing related conditions.
• See under point.
• The mid-point of the anterior border of the upper alveolar margin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "alveolar point" is not a commonly used or recognized linguistic term. It seems to be a combination of two distinct linguistic concepts: "alveolar" and "point".
1. Alveolar: The term "alveolar" refers to a specific place of articulation in phonetics and phonology. It pertains to sounds produced with the tip or blade of the tongue against the alveolar ridge, which is the bony ridge located just behind the upper front teeth. Some examples of alveolar sounds include the English /t/, /d/, /s/, /z/, /n/, and /l/.
2. Point: In linguistics, the term "point" could refer to any specified location or manner of articulation within the vocal tract. However, in the context of the word "alveolar point", it is not clear what specific meaning is intended.