What does "jaw" mean?

1. (anatomy) the lower part of your face that moves so you can open your mouth. 2. (mechanical parts) the parts of a tool, like a wrench or a trap, that close together to hold something. 3. (a dangerous entrance) the entrance to a dangerous place, like a narrow valley or a deep hole. 4. (to talk) to talk for a long time, often about things that are not important.

jaw

n. · v.

US //ˈdʒɔ// UK //dʒˈɔː// jaw

1 anatomy (n.)
A2 Elementary Medicine

the lower part of your face that moves so you can open your mouth.

either of the two bony structures that form the framework of the mouth and hold the teeth.

Example

He had a strong, square jaw and a friendly smile.

Example

The surgeon explained that the fracture in the lower jaw would require several weeks of immobilization to heal correctly.
- mandible
- maxilla
2 mechanical parts (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

the parts of a tool, like a wrench or a trap, that close together to hold something.

one of a pair of opposing parts in a tool or machine that move toward each other to grasp or crush an object.

Example

The jaws of the vice held the piece of wood firmly in place.

Example

The hydraulic rescue tool, often called the 'jaws of life', is designed to pry apart crumpled vehicles to free trapped passengers.
- grip
- clamp

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3 a dangerous entrance (n.)
C1 Advanced Literary

the entrance to a dangerous place, like a narrow valley or a deep hole.

the mouth or entrance of a narrow or dangerous place, often used figuratively in the plural.

Example

The small boat was pulled into the jaws of the narrow canyon.

Example

The soldiers felt as though they were marching directly into the jaws of death as they approached the enemy fortifications.
4 to talk (v.)
C1 Advanced Informal

to talk for a long time, often about things that are not important.

to engage in lengthy, informal conversation or chatter.

Example

We spent the whole afternoon jawing about our old school days.

Example

The two neighbours stood by the fence for nearly an hour, jawing about the local council's latest decision on parking permits.
- chat
- gossip
- natter

Etymology 1

From Middle English jawe/jowe (“jaw; sides of the lower face”, 14th century), the further origin of which is disputed. Either: From Anglo-Norman jowe, from Old French joe (“cheek; jaw”), from Vulgar Latin ga(v)ota (“cheek”), of uncertain further origin. ** It has been objected that the rhyming of jowe (“jaw”) with clowe (“claw”) in Middle English demonstrates that it did not have the vowel /uː/. This would be a concern if /uː/ were the vowel to expect from a borrowing of the Old French word, which it is not. Compare English paw < Middle English pawe/powe < Anglo-Norman powe < Old French poe. From Middle English chowe, from Old English ċēowe. The main difficulties with this theory are the notable lack of evidence and the late attestation of chaw (early 16th century). If it is correct, then the further origin would be Proto-West Germanic keuwā (“jaw”), whence Saterland Frisian Kiuwe, Dutch kieuw, German Keu, Käu. For the initial consonant, compare jowl as a variant of chavel/chawl. It is also conceivable that the word is a merger of two coincidentally similar sources. Gradually displaced Middle English chavel (from Old English ċeafl).

Etymology 2

Uncertain. Attested since 1513 (as a verb and noun) in Scots. The DSL speculates that it might be related to Scots (and Northern English dialectal) jall, joll "knock, bump; toll (a bell)" via the notion of knocking "one thing against another, as waves on a rock". The EDD compares Old Norse jaga (“move to and fro”).

Idioms4 entries