How to Pronounce Premolar

Premolar is pronounced 'pree-MOH-ler.' The first syllable 'pree' rhymes with 'free,' the second syllable 'MOH' rhymes with 'go,' and the last syllable 'ler' rhymes with 'her.' The stress falls on the second syllable, so you say it a bit louder and longer: pree-MOH-ler.

Many people mistakenly stress the first syllable and say 'PREE-molar' instead of 'pree-MOH-ler.' Remember that the emphasis belongs on the middle syllable—the 'MOH' part—not the beginning.

Premolar breaks into three syllables: pre-mo-lar. When you say it out loud, you'll hear three separate sound chunks, with the strongest stress on the middle one.

'Pre' is a Latin prefix meaning 'before,' and 'molar' comes from the Latin word 'molaris,' which relates to grinding or mill stones. So 'premolar' literally means 'before the molar'—these teeth sit in front of your molars in your mouth.

Premolars are also called bicuspids. 'Bi' means two and 'cuspid' refers to the pointed parts on top of the tooth, so a bicuspid has two cusps or points.

Yes, 'premolar' and 'bicuspid' are two different names for the exact same teeth. Dentists may use either term, so it helps to know both words mean the same thing.

Here's an example: 'The dentist explained that my premolars help me chew tougher foods.' You would use this word whenever you're talking about or identifying these specific teeth.

When you're talking about one tooth, you say 'premolar.' When you're talking about more than one, you add an 's' and say 'premolars.' The pronunciation stays the same except you add a 'z' sound at the end for the plural: pree-MOH-lerz.