spillway

spillway

Etymology: AS, spillan, to destroy, weg, wagon track

a channel or passageway through which food normally escapes from the occlusal surfaces of the teeth during chewing.

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spillway,

n a channel or passageway through which food escapes from the occlusal surfaces of the teeth during mastication. The occlusal, developmental, and supplemental grooves, as well as the incisal, occlusal, labial, buccal, and lingual embrasures, become spillways during function.

spillway, axial,

n a groove that first crosses a cusp ridge or marginal ridge and extends onto an axial (mesial or distal) surface of the tooth.

spillway, interdental,

n a sluiceway formed by the interproximal contours of adjoining teeth and investing tissues.

spillway, occlusal,

n a groove that crosses only a cusp ridge or marginal ridge of a tooth; numerous on marginal ridges, thus increasing masticatory function.