acanthion

9.9

A point at the tip of the front bone under the nose where the two upper jaw bones meet

noun
/əˈkænθiən/

Specialized

: acantión

Accurate localization of the acanthion is essential in orthodontic and craniofacial surgery.

Examples

On the X-ray image, the surgeon marked the acanthion to guide the procedure.
During the facial measurement, the technician identified the acanthion as a key reference point.
The acanthion is crucial for facial measurements.
Can you locate the acanthion on this diagram?
Accurate localization of the acanthion is essential in orthodontic and craniofacial surgery.
During the facial measurement, the technician identified the acanthion as a key reference point.
On the X-ray image, the surgeon marked the acanthion to guide the procedure.

Surface Forms

acanthion singular

acanthions plural

Morphology

acanthion = acanth + ion

Formed from a Greek combining form meaning 'thorn/spine' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ion'; the combining form 'acanth-' is not a standalone English word, so an average learner cannot derive the anatomical sense from known English components.

Etymology

The word acanthion comes from the Greek root akantha meaning 'thorn' or 'spine', and the ending -ion marks a small point. So the acanthion is literally a small bony 'thorn' at the front of the nose, which is why surgeons and dentists use it as a clear reference point.