n, pl  -tia   :  the supporting structures of the teeth including the cementum, the periodontal membrane, the bone of the alveolar process, and the gums .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  para·den·tium  par·odon·ti·um  peri·den·ti·um 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2004.