Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈiːks] (IPA) 
The word "cheeks" is spelled with the letter "ee" even though it sounds like "ea" due to the English language's inconsistent spelling rules. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is written as /tʃiːks/ with a long "i" sound for the "ee" and a "k" sound for the letter "k" at the end. This spelling confusion is a common example of how learning English as a second language can be challenging due to orthographic irregularities.
Cheeks refer to the fleshy portions on either side of the face, extending from the lower eye socket to the jawline. They are one of the main distinguishing features of the human face. Composed primarily of muscles, fat, and skin, the cheeks provide structural support for the facial skeleton and contribute to various facial expressions.
In terms of their anatomical characteristics, the cheeks consist of several layers of tissue. The outermost layer is the skin, which is relatively thin and sensitive. Beneath the skin, there is a layer of subcutaneous fat that helps give the cheeks their rounded shape. The underlying muscles, such as the buccinators, play a crucial role in facial expression, assisting in actions like smiling, chewing, and speaking.
Cheeks also have the important function of protecting the teeth and other structures within the mouth. The buccal pad of fat, situated in the inner portion of the cheek, acts as a cushion that guards against injury caused by biting or impact. Moreover, the cheeks are home to the parotid gland, which produces saliva and aids in the digestion of food.
In addition to their structural and functional roles, cheeks are often considered a part of facial beauty. Their fullness and proportions can significantly influence the overall appearance of a person's face. Consequently, various cultural and societal standards have evolved around cheek prominence, with cosmetic practices and procedures sometimes aiming to enhance or modify the contours of the cheeks to achieve certain aesthetic ideals.
Two upright, equal, and similar parts of any piece of timber-work; the two solid parts upon the sides of a mortise; the projection on each side of a mast.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "cheeks" is derived from the Old English word "ceace" or "ceoce", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "kekkō" meaning "jaw" or "cheekbone". This Proto-Germanic word is also related to the Middle Dutch word "kake" and the Old Norse word "kinn", both carrying similar meanings. Ultimately, the origins of "cheeks" can be traced to an ancient Indo-European root word "gheg(h)-", which refers to the jaw or cheek.
