Dentoid

/ˈdɛntɔɪd/ adjective

Definition

Tooth-shaped or resembling a tooth in form; having the appearance or structure of a tooth.

Etymology

From Latin 'dentis' (tooth) + Greek '-oid' (resembling or having the form of). The '-oid' suffix is used across science to indicate similarity in shape.

Kelly Says

The dens in the second cervical vertebra (the axis bone in your neck) is called 'dentoid' because it's a peg-like structure that resembles a tooth—knowing this helps doctors and anatomists quickly picture exactly which part of the spine is being discussed.

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