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Mewing

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. The act of a cat making a high-pitched sound, typically to express distress, hunger, or a need for attention.
2. A term used in orthodontics to describe a technique involving the positioning of the tongue against the roof of the mouth to potentially improve facial structure and alignment.
3. To cry or whimper softly, resembling the sound of a cat’s mew.
4. The act of confining or keeping something in a place, as in a “mew” (a small, enclosed space).

History and Origin

The term “mew” comes from the Middle English mewen, which is related to the Old French muer, meaning “to shed feathers,” in reference to the molting process of birds. In the context of cats, it evolved to describe the soft, plaintive cries they make. The association with a confined space comes from the use of the word in the late Middle Ages when “mew” referred to a cage or small room, often where birds or animals were kept.

In the orthodontic context, “mewing” was popularized by Dr. John Mew in the 1970s, who developed the technique to improve jaw alignment and facial aesthetics through conscious tongue posture.

Detailed Explanation

“Mewing” has two primary meanings: one in the context of animals, particularly cats, and the other in orthodontics.

1. In the context of animals, particularly cats, “mewing” refers to the high-pitched sound that cats make to communicate. Cats may mew when they are seeking attention, expressing discomfort, or indicating hunger. This sound is also associated with kitten communication with their mother.
2. In orthodontics, “mewing” refers to a technique that involves placing the tongue against the roof of the mouth in a specific manner. Proponents of mewing believe that this posture, combined with other exercises, can help realign the jaw, improve facial appearance, and aid in breathing. However, the effectiveness of mewing in altering facial structure remains a debated topic in the medical and dental communities.

Example Sentences

1. The kitten was mewing loudly, seeking its mother’s attention.
2. The cat’s persistent mewing could be heard from across the room.
3. The doctor explained that mewing, when done correctly, may help with jaw alignment over time.
4. She tried to comfort the crying baby by mimicking the sound of a mewing cat.
5. The cat’s mewing became even louder as the doorbell rang.
6. After several attempts at mewing, he noticed slight changes in his posture.
7. The mother cat mewed softly to her kittens as they nuzzled her.
8. Mewing cats are often a sign that they are hungry or in need of something.
9. He started practicing mewing in the hopes of improving his facial structure.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Whining – A high-pitched sound of distress, typically used for both animals and people.
2. Meowing – The term often used specifically for cats to describe the act of vocalizing in a similar manner to mewing.
3. Crying – A soft, plaintive sound often made by humans or animals when in distress or needing something.
4. Whimpering – A soft, low cry, often associated with animals expressing pain or discomfort.
5. Squealing – A high-pitched sound that may be associated with distress, often louder and more intense than mewing.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Mew – The sound that a cat makes, often associated with mewing.
2. Purring – A low, continuous sound made by cats, often when they are content or comfortable.
3. Vocalizing – The act of producing sounds, particularly by animals or humans, to express emotions or needs.
4. Kitten – A young cat, often associated with the initial phase of mewing.
5. Whiskers – Long, sensitive hairs on a cat’s face, often involved in their sensory perception.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Squeak – A short, high-pitched sound, often made by small animals, that can resemble mewing.
2. Cry – A general term for a loud, sharp sound made by both animals and humans, often used interchangeably with mewing for cats.
3. Bawl – A loud, prolonged cry, often more intense than mewing.
4. Lament – To express sorrow or distress, often through a vocalization similar to mewing.
5. Chirp – A sound made by some animals, particularly birds or cats, that can sometimes resemble a mew.

Antonyms

1. Silence
2. Calm
3. Quiet
4. Stillness
5. Serenity