dental

UK: ˈdɛnt(ə)l | US: ˈdɛn(t)əl

Definition

  1. adj. relating to teeth or dentistry

  2. n. (Phonetics) a consonant sound produced with the tongue against the upper teeth (e.g., /θ/, /ð/)

Structure
dent <tooth>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

dent<tooth> + al<adjective suffix>

  • dent: From Latin dens (tooth), retained in English via French dent.
  • al: A suffix forming adjectives, derived from Latin -alis, indicating relation or pertaining to.

Etymology Origin:
The word dental traces back to Latin dentalis, from dens (tooth). It entered English in the late 16th century via French, reflecting the anatomical or medical focus on teeth. The phonetic sense emerged later, describing sounds articulated with the tongue touching the teeth (e.g., "th" sounds). The morphemes dent- and -al remain transparent, making the term easily analyzable for learners.

Examples

  1. Regular dental check-ups prevent cavities.

  2. The linguist studied dental fricatives in Old English.

  3. She specializes in dental surgery.

  4. "Thin" and "this" contain dental consonants.

  5. Ancient dental tools reveal early medical practices.