1. muscles in the cheeks that compress the cheeks and help with chewing and blowing
Usage: anatomy
2. trumpet players or horn blowers
Usage: archaic; military

Examples

• The buccinators help compress food against the teeth during chewing.
• Damage to the buccinators can affect facial expression and eating.
• The anatomy student identified the buccinators on the cadaver.
• Ancient Roman buccinators signaled troop movements with their horns.
• The buccinators announced the arrival of the general.
• Musicians often develop strong buccinators from playing wind instruments.