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Glite Dictionary
oligodontia

oligodontia

9.9
A condition present at birth where many adult teeth are missing
  • noun
  • /ˌɑlɪɡoʊˈdɒnʃə/
  • Specialized
: oligodoncia
  • The dentist diagnosed the child with oligodontia after noticing several missing permanent teeth.

Examples

  • Genetic factors are thought to play a role in the development of oligodontia.

  • Many people with oligodontia experience difficulties with chewing.

  • Due to her oligodontia, she required extensive dental treatment from a young age.

  • The child diagnosed with oligodontia needs special dental care.

  • The dentist diagnosed the child with oligodontia after noticing several missing permanent teeth.

  • Due to her oligodontia, she required extensive dental treatment from a young age.

  • Many people with oligodontia experience difficulties with chewing.

Surface Forms

oligodontia singular
oligodontias plural

Morphology

oligodontia = oligodont (opaque) = oligo + odont + ia

The element 'oligo-' and the combining form 'odont-' are specialized Greek medical morphemes not likely known to a B1 learner, so the immediate base is not transparently meaningful.

Etymology

The word oligodontia breaks into three parts: oligo- 'few', odont- 'tooth', and -ia 'condition'. Because odont- is the same root in orthodontist, oligodontia means a 'few teeth' condition, for example when several adult teeth are missing.