canine tooth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Medical/Dental, Biological, Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “canine tooth” mean?
A pointed tooth between the incisors and premolars, used for tearing food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pointed tooth between the incisors and premolars, used for tearing food; one of the four longest teeth in the human mouth.
Any similar sharp, pointed tooth in carnivorous mammals; used metaphorically to describe something sharp, aggressive, or predatory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. 'Eye tooth' is slightly more common in UK informal speech. The anatomical/clinical term is identical.
Connotations
Neutral/technical in both. Can carry a slight predatory connotation in metaphorical use.
Frequency
More frequent in scientific/medical contexts than in everyday conversation in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “canine tooth” in a Sentence
The {adjective} canine tooth {verb}...A canine tooth {verb}...{Subject} has {adjective} canine teeth.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “canine tooth” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The dentist said my impacted canine tooth will need to be surgically exposed.
- Wolves use their powerful canine teeth to grip prey.
American English
- My lower left canine tooth is really sensitive to cold.
- The saber-toothed tiger had massively elongated canine teeth.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing for dental products or veterinary services.
Academic
Common in dentistry, anatomy, biology, anthropology, and zoology texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing dental issues, describing animals, or in metaphors.
Technical
Precise anatomical term. Used in dental charts, surgical notes, and biological classifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canine tooth”
- Pronouncing 'canine' as /kəˈnaɪn/ (like the dog breed) instead of /ˈkeɪnaɪn/. Using 'canine' alone to mean the tooth (requires 'tooth' or 'teeth'). Confusing 'canines' with 'incisors'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in informal English, especially for the upper canines. 'Eye tooth' refers to the upper canine because its root is long and lies beneath the eye.
Four: two in the upper jaw (maxillary canines) and two in the lower jaw (mandibular canines).
In context, yes (e.g., 'His canines are sharp'), but 'canine teeth' is clearer, especially in formal or medical writing.
From Latin 'caninus' meaning 'of the dog', because dogs possess prominent, sharp versions of these teeth.
A pointed tooth between the incisors and premolars, used for tearing food.
Canine tooth is usually medical/dental, biological, formal, literary in register.
Canine tooth: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪnaɪn tuːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪnaɪn tuθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To give one's eye teeth for something (UK: variant of 'give one's right arm')”
- “Long in the tooth (showing age, originally referring to horse's gums receding)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CANINE tooth = like a CA-nine (dog). Dogs have prominent pointed teeth for tearing.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHARPNESS IS AGGRESSION / PREDATION ('He bared his canine teeth in a snarl.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a canine tooth in humans?