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canine

canine

5.7
About the pointed teeth that animals use for tearing food
  • adjective
  • /ˈkeɪnaɪn/
translation icon : canino
  • Some animals have very large canine teeth for hunting and tearing meat.

Examples

  • The dentist noted that her upper right canine was slightly longer than average.

  • A broken canine tooth can cause significant discomfort and dental issues.

  • What a sharp canine tooth!

  • The canine teeth are essential for tearing meat.

  • The dentist explained that the canine teeth are crucial for tearing food.

  • Many mammals, including humans, have a canine tooth located between their incisors and premolars.

  • The dog had impressive canine teeth that helped it defend its territory.

Synonyms

laniary
vscanine
  • Specialized
9.9

Like a pointed tooth that grabs and tears food

refers specifically to the pointed tooth between incisors and premolars

Compounds

2 3.3

A pointed tooth next to the front teeth that tears food

canine chorea
  • Specialized
9.0

A dog disease that causes sudden muscle movements without control

canine distemper
  • Specialized
5.1

A contagious virus infection in dogs that causes fever, cough, and sometimes brain problems

Surface Forms

canine positive

Etymology

Canine comes from the Latin canis which means 'dog' because it describes the shape of a pointed, dog-like tooth. So used as an adjective, canine means 'of or like a pointed tooth', for example a large tooth for tearing.