canine
12
3.8
- noun
- /ˈkeɪnaɪn/
- In humans, the canines have become really small and rounded and actually function like accessory incisors.
- a canine tooth
- canines and incisors
- a large canine tooth
Examples
-
So we see things like males are bigger and body, body size, they have bigger canine teeth, they have bigger bodies, more muscles.
-
The Muntjac has this, this long canine tooth here.
-
Adult male elephant seals can have canines as large as 6 inches long.
Academic text (2009) -
A dentist had treated the upper left canines of a 64-year-old woman.
Academic text (2004) -
Most male apes have large canine teeth that are used to fight and intimidate sexual rivals.
Academic text (2010) -
Ardipithecus had small canine teeth that resemble a human's more closely than a chimpanzee's.
Academic text (2010) -
"Hello, k-k-Uncle Sang," Nan said with a clumsy smile, which revealed his canine teeth.
Fiction book (1994) -
The doctor explained that the upper canine tooth is crucial for tearing food.
-
Many mammals have a sharp canine tooth between their incisors and premolars.
-
In some animals, the size of the canine teeth can indicate their diet and feeding habits.
Synonyms
3
3.3
A pointed tooth next to the front teeth that tears food
2
8.2
A pointed tooth next to the front teeth used for tearing food
2
6.7
A pointed tooth next to the front teeth in each jaw
1
8.3
A pointed tooth between the front teeth and the back teeth used for tearing food
1
7.5
A long pointed tooth on each side of the mouth used for tearing food
Compounds
- Specialized
1
5.1
A contagious virus infection in dogs that causes fever, cough, and sometimes brain problems
How Back
12
3.2
25
2.5
- Specialized
1
6.8
- Specialized
2
4.0
12
3.8
12
3.6
Surface Forms
Etymology
Canine comes from the Latin canis which means 'dog' because people thought these sharp front teeth looked like a dog's fang. So a canine tooth is the pointed tooth used for 'tearing' food.