1. the teeth located between the canines and molars, used for grinding and chewing food
Usage: anatomy; plural form of premolar

Examples

• Adults typically have eight premolars, two on each side of both jaws.
• The dentist explained that premolars help break down food before it reaches the molars.
• Children’s premolars usually emerge between ages 10 and 12.
• The orthodontist noted that her premolars were properly aligned.
• Premolars have one or two cusps for effective chewing.
• The dental hygienist cleaned around each of the premolars carefully.