I. ˈmōlə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin molaris, from molaris of a mill, grinding, from mola mill, millstone + -aris -ar — more at mill
1. also molar tooth : a tooth adapted for grinding by having a broad rounded or flattened though often ridged or tuberculated surface ; specifically : one of the cheek teeth in mammals behind the incisors and canines sometimes including the premolars but more exactly restricted to the three posterior pairs in each jaw on each side in adult man which are not preceded by deciduous teeth — see dental formula , dentition illustration
2. : a process with a grinding surface on the inner aspect of the mandible of an insect or crustacean
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin molaris of a mill, grinding
1.
a. : pulverizing by friction : grinding
molar teeth
waves, wind, and sand are molar agents
b. : of, relating to, or located near the molar teeth
molar gland
2.
[ mole (VI) + -ar ]
: of, relating to, possessing the qualities of, or characterized by a uterine mole
molar pregnancy
III. adjective
Etymology: Latin moles mass + English -ar — more at mole (mound)
1. : of or relating to a mass of matter as distinguished from the properties or motions of molecules or atoms
2.
[ mole (VII) + -ar ]
: of, relating to, or containing a mole or molecules : molecular ; especially : containing one mole of solute in 1000 milliliters of solution — compare molal
3. : of or relating to larger units of behavior especially as relatable to a prior deprivation or motivational pattern of the organism
interest in such molar problems of personality as the ego functions — R.R.Holt
— opposed to molecular