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canine

canine

5 5.7
About the pointed teeth that animals use for tearing food
  • adjective
  • /ˈkeɪnaɪn/
: 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

3 3.3

A pointed tooth next to the front teeth that tears food

canine distemper
  • Specialized
1 5.1

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

canine chorea
  • Specialized
9.0

A dog disease that causes sudden muscle movements without control

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.