Genal

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɛ.nəl/

Definitions

1. A term denoting the region of the face situated near the cheeks, this word describes aspects related to the jawline and lower facial anatomy
2. Referring to an area on the side of the face by the cheeks, it encompasses features of both the jaw and lower facial structure
3. Relating to the area of the face adjacent to the cheeks and jawline

Etymology: "Genal" is an adjective meaning relating to the cheeks, and it comes straight from Latin "gena", the word for "cheek." English added the ordinary adjective ending "-al" (from Latin "-alis") to form it, so the word is a simple, transparent construction: cheek plus "-al." That same Latin "gena" lies behind a handful of anatomical terms, which is why the word belongs to the vocabulary of medicine and zoology rather than everyday speech.