wisdom tooth

noun
1.
the third molar on each side of the upper and lower jaws: the last tooth to erupt.
Idioms
2.
cut one's wisdom teeth, to attain maturity or discretion.
Origin
1660-70
British Dictionary definitions for wisdom teeth

wisdom tooth

noun
1.
any of the four molar teeth, one at the back of each side of the jaw, that are the last of the permanent teeth to erupt Technical name third molar
2.
cut one's wisdom teeth, to arrive at the age of discretion
wisdom teeth in Medicine

wisdom tooth wis·dom tooth (wĭz'dəm)
n.
The third molar tooth on both sides of each jaw that erupts from the 17th to the 23rd year.

wisdom teeth in Science
wisdom tooth
  (wĭz'dəm)   
One of four molars, the last on each side of both jaws in humans, usually appearing in young adulthood.
wisdom teeth in Culture

wisdom teeth definition


Four molars, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw, that are the last teeth to emerge in the mouth.

Note: These teeth are associated with wisdom because they appear during the late teens or early twenties, when a person is physically mature. Often, the wisdom teeth may not rise above the gum line, but remain impacted in the jaw, causing inflammation. If this impaction occurs, or if they pose a threat to other teeth, the wisdom teeth may need to be removed.