fang
B2Neutral to Technical (Zoology)
Definition
Meaning
A long, sharp, pointed tooth of an animal, especially a carnivore such as a dog, wolf, or snake, used for seizing and tearing prey.
A means of obtaining something; a source of acquisition or advantage. In older usage, it can also mean the root of a tooth or the tang of a tool.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While 'fang' is most concretely associated with animal teeth, it can be used metaphorically to imply something dangerous, predatory, or that extracts something (e.g., 'the fangs of the taxman'). It often carries a negative or menacing connotation when used figuratively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both contexts, primarily in descriptive or zoological texts, folklore, and horror genres.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have + fang (e.g., The snake has hollow fangs.)sink + fang + into + object (e.g., The viper sank its fangs into the rat.)bare + fang (e.g., The wolf bared its fangs.)arm/equip + with + fang (e.g., The creature is armed with venomous fangs.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “long in the fang (archaic/rare: old)”
- “to draw the fangs of (to render harmless)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorically rare: 'The new regulations drew the fangs of the predatory lenders.'
Academic
Common in zoology, biology, anthropology: 'The study focused on the morphology of vampire bat fangs.'
Everyday
Used in descriptions of animals, in stories, or metaphorically: 'Our puppy's little fangs are so sharp!'
Technical
Specific use in zoology/dentistry: 'The elapid snake's proteroglyphous fangs are fixed at the front of the jaw.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The dog went to fang the postman's leg.
- (Rare/archaic) To take, seize.
American English
- That snake is ready to fang anything that moves.
- (Rare/archaic) To drive in like a fang.
adverb
British English
- (No adverb form)
American English
- (No adverb form)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard. The adjective is 'fanged'.)
American English
- (Not standard. The adjective is 'fanged'.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog has big teeth and sharp fangs.
- I saw a picture of a snake with long fangs.
- The wolf bared its fangs and growled at the intruder.
- You need a tetanus shot if an animal's fang breaks your skin.
- Venom is injected through the snake's hollow fangs.
- The fossilised fang of the sabre-toothed cat was enormous.
- The journalist's article drew the fangs of the corrupt officials by exposing their schemes.
- His argument was disarmed, its rhetorical fangs removed by a simple counter-example.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FAN-G: a giant fan with sharp, tooth-like blades that could bite you.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER/THREAT IS A POINTED TOOTH (e.g., 'the fangs of criticism', 'the fangs of winter').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'клык' which is more specific to 'canine tooth'. 'Fang' is broader, covering snake teeth and tusks. Also, the Russian slang 'фанга' (car wing/fender) is a false friend.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fang' to describe human teeth outside of poetic/metaphorical context (e.g., 'He has sharp fangs' for a person is non-standard). Mispronouncing as /feɪŋ/ (like 'fang' in 'afraid' - incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'fang' LEAST likely to be used accurately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it applies to any carnivorous mammal (e.g., big cats, wolves) and many reptiles (snakes, some lizards). Spiders also have fang-like chelicerae.
Not in standard anatomical language. Humans have 'canine teeth'. Calling them 'fangs' is poetic, humorous, or refers to exaggeratedly sharp canines (e.g., in vampire lore).
A tusk (e.g., of an elephant, walrus, boar) is a greatly enlarged, projecting tooth, often used for digging or fighting. A fang is typically a sharp, pointed tooth for piercing and holding prey, often associated with venom delivery.
Yes, but it's rare, dialectal, or archaic. It means 'to bite or seize with fangs' or 'to drive in like a fang'.
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