dentition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dentition" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to the arrangement, type, and number of teeth in an organism, often in discussions about dental health or anatomy. Example: "The study of dentition can provide valuable insights into the dietary habits of various species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The DfE certainly wanted them: even going so far as to grant them an exemption from key stage 1 Sats – because Steiner schools do not like children to be taught writing prior to the "second dentition" (the arrival of adult teeth).

The Guardian

Dentition is especially important in determining the relationships of fossil forms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As one would suspect from their usually well-developed and massive dentition, with many having the teeth fused together in a parrotlike beak, most tetraodontiforms feed on hard-shelled crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before cetaceans evolved aquatic adaptations, they had a fully differentiated set of teeth (heterodont dentition), including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dentition is also mostly primitive, with canines that shear against the lower premolars and a gap (diastema) between the upper incisors and canines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During the next field season in 1993, researchers recovered a partial arm from a hominid and a juvenile dentition all from the same 4.4-millon-year-old fossil horizon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The burrowing blind snakes have very reduced dentition and often have lost the teeth of one jaw entirely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Cutting through the detail, what they found was that the fossils' faces and dentitions were Neanderthal-like, with projecting noses, more spacious jaws and big front teeth, but that their braincases (and so, presumably, their brains) were not.

The Economist

Neanderthal faces remained large and especially long, similar to those of their ancestors, and they retained browridges and projecting dentitions and noses and had receding chins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Pycnodontiformes, which may be related to the Semionotiformes, are unique among the holosteans in having their upper and lower dentitions modified to form an open pavement of crushing teeth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such highly efficient dentitions may suggest a highly effective digestive process that would allow more energy to be extracted from the food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing evolutionary biology or paleontology, use "dentition" to describe specific tooth features that distinguish different species or fossil records.

Common error

Avoid using "dentition" when you mean general dental care or hygiene. "Dentition" refers specifically to the arrangement and type of teeth, not the practices used to maintain them.

Linguistic Context

The noun "dentition" primarily functions as a technical term in biology, anatomy, and paleontology. It describes the arrangement, type, and number of teeth in an individual or species. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in discussing evolutionary adaptations and dental health.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

73%

News & Media

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dentition" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun that refers to the arrangement, type, and number of teeth. Ludwig AI indicates its suitability in formal contexts, especially within scientific, medical, and academic writing. The term appears most frequently in encyclopedias and news media, emphasizing its role in providing precise and technical descriptions. When writing about teeth, remember that "dentition" is best used to describe the overall dental configuration rather than general dental care.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

teeth arrangement

Focuses on the spatial organization of teeth.

tooth structure

Emphasizes the physical composition and morphology of teeth.

dental formation

Highlights the developmental process of teeth.

tooth development

Emphasizes the process of teeth growing or erupting.

dental characteristics

Focuses on the distinguishing features of teeth.

tooth pattern

Highlights the specific arrangement and type of teeth present.

set of teeth

Refers to the complete collection of teeth in an individual.

teething process

Focuses on the phase of teeth eruption, especially in infants.

odontiasis

A clinical term synonymous with teething.

dental morphology

Highlights the study of the form and structure of teeth.

FAQs

How is "dentition" used in a sentence?

The word "dentition" refers to the arrangement and characteristics of teeth. For example: "The study of early hominid dentition provides insights into their diet."

What's the difference between "dentition" and "teeth"?

"Dentition" refers to the type, number, and arrangement of teeth as a system, while "teeth" is the plural form of tooth, referring to the individual components of that system.

What can I say instead of "dentition"?

Depending on the context, you can use "teeth arrangement" or "tooth structure" to convey similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "dentition" in a formal context?

Yes, "dentition" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially in scientific, medical, and academic writing where precision is important.