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Definition

noun, plural: premolars

A transitional tooth having two cusps, and located between the canine and molar teeth.

Supplement

Because premolar tooth has properties of both the anterior canines and posterior molars, food can be transferred from canines to premolars and finally to molars for grinding, instead of directly from canines to molars.

Adult humans have a total of eight premolars: maxillary first premolar, maxillary second premolar, mandibular first premolar, and the mandibular second premolar.

Word origin: New Latin bicuspis, bicuspid- : Latin bi-, two + Latin cuspis, sharp point.

Synonym: bicuspid tooth, dens premolaris.
Compare: cuspid, molar.