foretooth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “foretooth” mean?
One of the front teeth in the jaw, specifically an incisor or canine tooth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the front teeth in the jaw, specifically an incisor or canine tooth.
A tooth situated at the front of the mouth, typically used for cutting or biting. May sometimes be used figuratively to refer to a prominent or leading part.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly archaic or technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. More likely found in specialist texts than general use.
Grammar
How to Use “foretooth” in a Sentence
[adjective] + foretoothforetooth + [of the animal]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foretooth” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The rodent's distinctive feature was a single, continuously growing upper foretooth.
- The dentist pointed out a small crack on the lateral incisor, or foretooth.
American English
- The fossil record shows a clear evolutionary change in the shape of the third foretooth.
- He chipped his foretooth biting into a hard piece of candy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in dental, anatomical, zoological, and paleontological papers.
Everyday
Rare. 'Front tooth' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Technical
The standard term in specific technical descriptions (e.g., "the fossil shows a distinctive notch on the third upper foretooth").
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foretooth”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foretooth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foretooth”
- Using 'foretooth' in casual conversation instead of 'front tooth'.
- Incorrect plural: 'foretooths' instead of 'foreteeth'.
- Confusing it specifically with 'canine tooth'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, technical term. The everyday phrase is 'front tooth'.
The plural is 'foreteeth', following the same irregular pattern as 'tooth/teeth' and 'goose/geese'.
Foreteeth (incisors, canines) are at the front of the mouth for cutting and tearing. Molars are at the back for grinding.
Yes, it is a general term for incisors and sometimes canines. In precise anatomy, 'incisor' or 'canine' is preferred.
One of the front teeth in the jaw, specifically an incisor or canine tooth.
Foretooth is usually formal / technical in register.
Foretooth: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔː.tuːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːr.tuːθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “long in the foretooth (rare, variant of 'long in the tooth')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'FORE' as in 'forward' or 'front', and 'TOOTH'. It's simply a 'front tooth'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A foretooth can metaphorically represent a primary tool for attack or acquisition (e.g., in describing an animal's feeding).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'foretooth' MOST appropriate?