zygomaxillary

English

Etymology

Blend of zygo(ma) +‎ maxillary; the prefix meaning "zygoma" is zygomatico- in all other instances, and the prefix zygo- means "pair" or "union" in all other instances, which indicates that this word, zygomaxillary, is best understood as a special case involving haplologic influence, such that it might otherwise have been either zygoma + maxilla + -ary = *zygomamaxillary or zygomatico- + maxill(o)- + -ary = *zygomaticomaxillary.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪləɹi

Adjective

zygomaxillary (not comparable)

1. (anatomy) Relating to the cheekbone and maxilla (upper jawbone).