n, pl  -ma*ta  also  -mas  :  a broad thin layer of muscle that is situated on each side of the neck immediately under the superficial fascia belonging to the group of facial muscles, that is innervated by the facial nerve, and that draws the lower lip and the corner of the mouth to the side and down and when moved forcefully expands the neck and draws its skin upward pla*tys*mal adj 
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  pal·u·dism 
 
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