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Glite Dictionary
ameloblast

ameloblast

9.9
A cell that makes the hard outer layer of a growing tooth
  • noun
  • /ˌæməˈlɒblæst/
  • Specialized
: ameloblasto
  • During tooth formation, each ameloblast secretes the enamel matrix that hardens to protect the tooth.

Examples

  • Photomicrograph of the follicular ameloblastoma shows that the epithelial sheets are bordered by columnar cells that resemble ameloblasts.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The ameloblast plays a crucial role in the formation of tooth enamel during dental development.

  • Researchers studied the ameloblast to understand better how enamel is created and maintained.

Surface Forms

ameloblast singular
ameloblasts plural

Morphology

ameloblast = enamel + blast (opaque) = amelo + blast

The combining form 'amelo-' is not a standalone everyday word and '-blast' is a technical biological combining form, so learners cannot reliably infer 'cell that forms enamel' from the parts.

Etymology

The word ameloblast combines enamel and the ending -blast, where -blast comes from an old Greek word meaning 'sprout' or 'bud'. So an ameloblast is a cell that 'sprouts' or makes the enamel of a developing tooth.