wedge

wedge (wej)

1. a piece of material thick at one end and tapering to a thin edge at the other end.

2. to force something into a space of limited size.

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step wedge  a block of absorber, usually aluminum, machined in steps of increasing thickness, used to measure the penetrating power of x-rays.

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wedge,

n a small, pointed, triangular, contoured piece of wood used to seal the gingival margin of a cavity preparation before placement of an amalgam restoration.

wedge, step,

n See penetrometer.

wedge stimulator,

n an oral hygiene device made of plastic or wood used to stimulate and clean between teeth.

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wedge

a solid rectangular object, thin at one end, thick at the other.

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mouth wedge

made of metal; used to force open the molar arcades of the anesthetized horse or cow. The planes on which the molars ride are roughened to prevent slippage. Called also Bayer gag.

wedge osteotomy

see cuneiform osteotomy.

wedge vertebra

see hemivertebra.