The word "pterygoid" refers to a pair of muscles located near the base of the skull. These muscles play an important role in jaw movement and biting. There are several synonyms for the term "pterygoid," including "pterigoid," "pterigoidus," and "pterigoidus internus." Other words that are often used interchangeably with "pterygoid" include "temporalis" and "masseter," which are two other major muscles involved in chewing and biting. These muscles all work together to allow us to eat, drink, and speak properly. Understanding these synonyms can be helpful when studying anatomy or discussing dental problems with a healthcare provider.