a. (sb.) Anat. [ad. mod.L. zygomaticus, f. Gr. ζύγωμα, -ατ-: see prec. and -IC.] Pertaining to or forming part of the zygoma; jugal.
Zygomatic apophysis = z. process. Zygomatic arch = ZYGOMA. Zygomatic bone, the malar bone. Zygomatic fossa, an irregularly-shaped cavity on the side of the skull below and within the zygomatic arch. Zygomatic muscle, any one of several small muscles connected with the zygoma; esp. each of two pairs of muscles (zygomaticus major and minor) arising from the malar bone and inserted at the corners of the mouth, serving to draw the upper lip outward and upward. Zygomatic process, a process of the squamosal portion of the temporal bone, which articulates with the malar bone. Zygomatic suture, the suture connecting the squamosal with the malar bone.
1709. Blair, in Phil. Trans., XXVII. 143. Two Zygomatic Bones.
1741. A. Monro, Anat. (ed. 3), 95. Immediately before the Root of the zygomatic Process.
1811. C. Bell, Anat. Hum. Body (ed. 3), I. 180. The zygomatic muscles pull the angles of the mouth upwards as in laughter.
1825. Zool. Jrnl., II. 162. The zygomatic arch.
1855. Holden, Hum. Osteol., 102. The ‘zygomatic fossa’ is bounded externally by the zygomatic arch.
1895. Q. Rev., July, 178. That ‘sweet contraction’ of the zygomatic muscles.
B. sb. Short for z. muscle or z. bone.
1811. C. Bell, Anat. Hum. Body (ed. 3), I. 181. The zygomatics and levators pull the angles of the mouth upwards.
1919. Man, XIX. 156. Most of the individuals noticed in Wales have the hair rather straight with low orbital index and prominence of the zygomatics.
