jaw

 
Pronunciation: /dʒɔː/

noun

  • 1each of the upper and lower bony structures in vertebrates forming the framework of the mouth and containing the teeth.
  • the lower movable bone of the jaw, or the part of the face containing it: she suffered a broken jaw
  • (jaws) the mouth with its bones and teeth.
  • (jaws) the grasping, biting, or crushing mouthparts of an invertebrate.
  • (usually jaws) the gripping parts of a tool or machine, such as a wrench or vice.
  • (jaws) the grasping or destructive power of something: victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat
  • (jaws) an opening likened to a mouth: a passenger stepping from the jaws of a car ferry
  • 2 [mass noun] informal talk or gossip, especially when lengthy or tedious: committee work is just endless jaw

verb

[no object] informal
  • talk at length; chatter: I was too busy to spend time jawing with the rest of the crew

Phrases

one's jaw drops

one feels or appears amazed or shocked: Laurel’s jaw dropped despite her attempts to hide her surprise

Derivatives

jawed

adjective
[in combination]: square-jawed young men

jawless

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French joe 'cheek, jaw', of unknown origin