How Do You Spell LOPHODONT?

Pronunciation: [lˈɒfədˌɒnt] (IPA)

Lophodont is a term used in dentistry to describe a type of molar tooth with cusps arranged in rows. The word is spelled as "lophodont" [ləʊfəʊdɒnt], with the stress on the second syllable. "Lopho-" comes from the Greek word "lophos" meaning "crest," referring to the ridges on these teeth. The second part of the word, "-dont," comes from the Greek word "odous" meaning "tooth." So lophodont literally means "ridged tooth." This term is often used by dentists and zoologists to describe specific types of molars found in certain mammals.

LOPHODONT Meaning and Definition

1. "Lophodont" is an adjective that originates from the combination of the Greek words "lophos," meaning "crest" or "ridge," and "odontos," meaning "tooth." It is primarily used in the field of zoology and anatomy to describe a specific type of dental structure found in certain animals, particularly herbivores.

   The term "lophodont" refers to teeth that possess longitudinal ridges or crests, which are known as "lophs." These ridges commonly run parallel to each other and cover the entire surface of the tooth. The dental ridge system increases the surface area of the tooth, aiding in the efficient grinding and processing of fibrous plant material. This dental adaptation is particularly beneficial for animals whose diet consists mainly of vegetation.

   Animals possessing lophodont dentition include many herbivorous mammals, such as elephants, horses, pigs, and rodents. Their teeth are characterized by prominent ridges that enable them to efficiently break down tough plant matter into smaller particles that can be easily digested. These ridges can vary in shape and size depending on the species and are designed to maximize the animal's ability to masticate and extract nutrients from its diet.

   In summary, "lophodont" describes the dental structure characterized by longitudinal ridges or crests found in herbivorous animals, specialized for efficient mastication of tough plant material.

2. Having the crowns of the molar teeth formed in transverse or longitudinal crests or ridges; opposed to bunodont.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for LOPHODONT

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• lowphodont
• l ophodont
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• lopho dont
• lophod ont
• lophodo nt
• lophodon t

Etymology of LOPHODONT

The word "lophodont" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "lophos" meaning "crest" or "ridge", and "odont" meaning "tooth". In zoology and dentistry, "lophodont" refers to the type of tooth structure characterized by ridges or crests running across the grinding surface. It is commonly used to describe teeth found in certain herbivorous animals, such as horses, which have evolved this dental adaptation for efficient grinding of fibrous plant material.