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wisdom tooth
noun
: the third molar that is the last tooth to erupt on each side of the upper and lower jaws in humans
Examples of wisdom tooth in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In humans, vestigial organs include wisdom teeth and the appendix.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024
The country star, 39, recently underwent a series of dental procedures, including a veneer replacement and wisdom teeth removal, and his wife Bunnie Xo documented the process in a hilarious and sweet TikTok video.
—Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024
There are several reasons why wisdom teeth can be a source of pain and discomfort:
Impaction
Often, there isn't enough room for wisdom teeth to grow properly.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2023
Some populations or families might not develop all four wisdom teeth, or any at all.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2023
Roughly 35 percent of people today are born without wisdom teeth.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Oct. 2023
For the most part, though, any complex procedure (such as wisdom tooth extraction or dental implants) will be planned weeks in advance, Dr. Gonchar and Dr. Cu say.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 19 Sep. 2023
Some individuals have suggested that drinking pineapple juice before wisdom tooth surgery can reduce swelling.
—Korin Miller, Health, 11 Aug. 2023
Millions of women around the world have used the drug, and medical groups say complications occur at a lower rate than with routine medical procedures such as wisdom teeth removal and colonoscopies.
—Laura Ungar, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wisdom tooth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
from being cut usually in the late teens
First Known Use
1824, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near wisdom tooth
Cite this Entry
“Wisdom tooth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wisdom%20tooth. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
wisdom tooth
noun
: the last tooth of the full set of teeth on each side of the upper and lower jaw in a human being
Medical Definition
wisdom tooth
noun
wis·dom tooth
ˈwiz-dəm-
: the third molar that is the last tooth to erupt on each side of the upper and lower human jaw
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