teeth
A1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The hard, white structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing food.
Can refer metaphorically to any pointed, projecting parts resembling teeth (e.g., gear teeth, saw teeth), or figuratively to power, effectiveness, or enforcement capability (e.g., giving a law teeth).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is the irregular plural form of 'tooth'. Its use is almost exclusively plural; singular 'tooth' must be used for one individual structure. The metaphorical extension to 'effectiveness' is common in formal or political contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Minor differences in associated vocabulary (e.g., 'milk teeth' UK vs. 'baby teeth' US).
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and fundamental in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + teeth (brush, clench, lose)ADJ + teeth (false, wisdom, crooked)teeth + VERB (chatter, ache)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “armed to the teeth”
- “cut your teeth on something”
- “get your teeth into something”
- “give teeth to”
- “kick in the teeth”
- “lie through your teeth”
- “long in the tooth”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The new regulations need teeth to be effective." (i.e., enforcement power)
Academic
"The study examined enamel wear on the occlusal surfaces of the molars and premolars."
Everyday
"Remember to brush your teeth before bed."
Technical
"The gear's teeth were misaligned, causing premature failure."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The saw was carefully toothed to cut veneer.
- The committee's proposal was finally toothed with proper sanctions.
American English
- The gear needs to be toothed precisely.
- The new policy was toothed with financial penalties.
adjective
British English
- A fine-toothed comb is best for removing nits.
- The toothed wheel engages with the chain.
American English
- Use a fine-toothed comb for lice.
- The toothed blade cut cleanly through the plastic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby is getting new teeth.
- I brush my teeth every morning.
- You should visit the dentist if your teeth hurt.
- The lion showed its sharp teeth.
- Despite the setback, she gritted her teeth and carried on.
- The law lacks the teeth to deter serious offenders.
- The investigative committee was finally given teeth, enabling it to subpoena witnesses.
- He cut his teeth in journalism working for the local paper.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'teeth' and 'beneath' – your teeth are beneath your lips.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFECTIVENESS IS TEETH (e.g., 'a law with teeth'), OPPOSITION/AGGRESSION IS SHOWING TEETH (e.g., 'the opposition finally showed its teeth').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using the singular 'tooth' when referring to the plural set. Russian 'зубы' is always plural for the full set, but English requires 'teeth'.
- The idiom 'long in the tooth' means old, not literally having long teeth.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tooth' as a plural (e.g., 'I have three tooth').
- Mispronouncing the ending as /ð/ instead of /θ/.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'give teeth to' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the plural form. The singular is 'tooth'.
In British English: /tiːθ/. In American English: /tiθ/. Both end with the unvoiced 'th' sound /θ/, not /ð/.
Yes, but it is rare and technical. It means to provide with teeth or indenture, as in 'a toothed gear'.
These are the third molars, the last adult teeth to emerge, usually in late adolescence or early adulthood.