Pronunciation: [mˈə͡ʊlə] (IPA) 
The word "molar" is spelled with the letter "o" and not "a" because it derives from the Latin word "molaris," which is pronounced with an "o" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is represented as /ˈmoʊ.lər/. The first syllable "mo" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, while the second syllable "lar" has a schwa sound. "Molar" is a dental term used to describe the back teeth used for grinding and chewing food.
Molar, in the context of dental anatomy, refers to any of the large and robust teeth found in the back of the mouth, specifically designed for grinding and chewing food. Molars are part of the permanent dentition, usually developing between the ages of six and twelve years old, replacing the primary or baby teeth. They are essential for proper mastication, facilitating the breakdown of food into smaller particles for digestion.
Molars are located posteriorly in the oral cavity, with two sets in each dental arch: the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw). These teeth typically have a rounded or flattened occlusal surface, characterized by multiple cusps or bumps, providing an efficient means of breaking down food. A typical adult mouth consists of twelve molars: six in the maxilla (three on each side) and six in the mandible.
As molars are the farthest teeth from the anterior portion of the mouth, they are prone to certain dental issues, such as cavities, periodontal disease, impacted wisdom teeth, or misalignment. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, are crucial to maintain the health and functionality of molars.
In summary, molars are large, robust teeth located at the back of the mouth, responsible for grinding and chewing food. They play a vital role in the digestive process, and maintaining their health is essential for overall oral well-being.
• A double tooth or grinder.
• Grinding; used for grinding, as a molar tooth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "molar" comes from the Latin word "molaris", which means "millstone" or "grindstone". This term was originally used in reference to the large flat teeth situated at the back of the mouth, as they are responsible for grinding or crushing food, similar to a millstone. Hence, the term "molar" has been used to describe these teeth in dentistry.
