Wisdom tooth

Wisdom tooth
Wisdom Wis"dom (-d[u^]m), n. [AS. w[imac]sd[=o]m. See {Wise}, a., and {-dom}.] [1913 Webster] 1. The quality of being wise; knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it; knowledge of the best ends and the best means; discernment and judgment; discretion; sagacity; skill; dexterity. [1913 Webster]

We speak also not in wise words of man's wisdom, but in the doctrine of the spirit. --Wyclif (1 Cor. ii. 13). [1913 Webster]

Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. --Job xxviii. 28. [1913 Webster]

It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity and wisdom that they will yield everything to reason, and refuse everything to force. --Ames. [1913 Webster]

Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom. --Coleridge. [1913 Webster]

2. The results of wise judgments; scientific or practical truth; acquired knowledge; erudition. [1913 Webster]

Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. --Acts vii. 22. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Prudence; knowledge.

Usage: {Wisdom}, {Prudence}, {Knowledge}. Wisdom has been defined to be ``the use of the best means for attaining the best ends.'' ``We conceive,'' says Whewell, `` prudence as the virtue by which we select right means for given ends, while wisdom implies the selection of right ends as well as of right means.'' Hence, wisdom implies the union of high mental and moral excellence. Prudence (that is, providence, or forecast) is of a more negative character; it rather consists in avoiding danger than in taking decisive measures for the accomplishment of an object. Sir Robert Walpole was in many respects a prudent statesman, but he was far from being a wise one. Burke has said that prudence, when carried too far, degenerates into a ``reptile virtue,'' which is the more dangerous for its plausible appearance. Knowledge, a more comprehensive term, signifies the simple apprehension of facts or relations. ``In strictness of language,'' says Paley, `` there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom; wisdom always supposing action, and action directed by it.'' [1913 Webster]

Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, Have ofttimes no connection. Knowledge dwells In heads replete with thoughts of other men; Wisdom, in minds attentive to their own. Knowledge, a rude, unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which wisdom builds, Till smoothed, and squared, and fitted to its place, Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; Wisdom is humble that he knows no more. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]

{Wisdom tooth}, the last, or back, tooth of the full set on each half of each jaw in man; -- familiarly so called, because appearing comparatively late, after the person may be supposed to have arrived at the age of wisdom. See the Note under {Tooth}, 1. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • wisdom tooth — n. [calque of ModL dentes sapientiae, based on Gr sōphronistēres < sōphronein, to be of sound mind: from their late appearance] the back tooth on each side of each jaw in human beings; any of the four third molars appearing usually between the …   English World dictionary

  • wisdom tooth — n one of the four large teeth at the back of your mouth that do not grow until you are an adult …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • wisdom tooth — wisdom ,tooth noun count one of the four large teeth that grow at the back of your mouth when you are an adult …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • wisdom tooth — ► NOUN ▪ each of the four hindmost molars in humans, which usually appear at about the age of twenty …   English terms dictionary

  • Wisdom tooth — A wisdom tooth, in humans, is any of the usually four third molars. Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25.[1] Most adults have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have more, in which case they are called supernumerary… …   Wikipedia

  • wisdom tooth — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms wisdom tooth : singular wisdom tooth plural wisdom teeth one of the four large teeth that grow at the back of your mouth when you are an adult …   English dictionary

  • wisdom tooth — wisdom teeth N COUNT Your wisdom teeth are the four large teeth at the back of your mouth which usually grow much later than your other teeth …   English dictionary

  • wisdom tooth — wis′dom tooth n. den the third molar on each side of the upper and lower jaws: the last tooth to erupt • cut one s wisdom teeth Etymology: 1660–70 …   From formal English to slang

  • wisdom tooth — 1. the third molar on each side of the upper and lower jaws: the last tooth to erupt. 2. cut one s wisdom teeth, to attain maturity or discretion. [1660 70] * * * …   Universalium

  • wisdom tooth — wis·dom tooth wiz dəm n the third molar that is the last tooth to erupt on each side of the upper and lower human jaw * * * the third molar tooth on each side of either jaw, which erupts normally around the age of 20. * * * third molar t …   Medical dictionary

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