tooth
tooth
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "tooth" is /tuːθ/.
/tuːθ/
Word Form Variations
Noun: tooth (singular), teeth (plural)
Verb: tooth (rare, formal, or in specific contexts, e.g., "to tooth a comb" meaning to provide with teeth; "to tooth a gear" meaning to cut teeth into it)
Adjective: toothless (derived adjective), toothed (past participle used adjectivally)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: Each of a set of hard, bony structures in the jaws of most vertebrates, used for biting and chewing.
Synonyms: incisor, canine, molar, bicuspid, tusk (if elongated)
Antonyms: gum (part of mouth), tongue, palate (other mouth parts)
Definition 2: A projection on the edge of a saw, comb, gear, or zipper, designed to interlock or cut.
Synonyms: cog, prong, tine, serration, barb, jag
Antonyms: blade (flat edge), smooth edge, gap (missing tooth)
Definition 3: (Figurative, informal) Aggressiveness, power, or effectiveness, especially in a competitive or challenging situation.
Synonyms: bite, effectiveness, power, vigor, aggression, punch (informal)
Antonyms: toothlessness, weakness, impotence, ineffectiveness, blandness
Definition 4: (Often in the plural "teeth") A liking or desire for a particular food or taste.
Example usage: "She has a sweet tooth."
Synonyms: craving, fondness, predilection, liking, desire
Antonyms: aversion, dislike, distaste, disinclination
Verb
Definition 1 (formal/technical): To provide with teeth or cogs.
Synonyms: indent, serrate, cog, gear, barb
Antonyms: deburr, smooth, grind (off teeth), un-tooth
Definition 2 (archaic/rare): To bite or gnaw.
Synonyms: bite, gnaw, chew, munch
Antonyms: release, let go, un-bite
Examples of Use
Books:
"The old man lost his last tooth, a final sign of the passage of time." (Fictional example from a poignant novel about aging)
"To effectively cut the hardwood, the saw blade needed to have precisely angled teeth." (From a woodworking manual or engineering textbook)
"The new regulations have some tooth, finally giving authorities the power to curb illegal logging." (Fictional example, figurative use, from a political thriller or environmental advocacy book)
Newspapers:
"Dentists warn against excessive sugar consumption, which is a leading cause of tooth decay in children." ("The Standard,")
"The new anti-corruption bill has more teeth than previous legislation, promising stronger enforcement." ("Daily Nation,")
"Archaeologists discovered an ancient tool with serrated teeth, suggesting its use for grinding grains." ("The New York Times,")
Online Publications:
"How to maintain good oral hygiene: Tips for brushing your teeth effectively." (An article on a health and wellness blog, e.g., WebMD)
"Our comprehensive guide to choosing the right saw blade: understanding tooth count and design." (An article on a DIY or woodworking website, e.g., Fine Woodworking Online)
"The updated search algorithm gives Google's ranking system more tooth, penalizing low-quality content more severely." (A tech analysis piece on "Search Engine Journal,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "You're gonna need a bigger boat." (Roy Scheider as Chief Brody in Jaws, 1975) - This iconic line implies the shark's formidable "teeth."
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must extract a specific tooth from this ancient fossil without damaging the jawbone." (Instructions on an archaeological or paleontological reality show)
Song Lyrics: "I get by with a little help from my friends, and a lot of caffeine, and a sweet tooth for chocolate." (From a pop song about daily life and habits)
Video Games: "Beware the mutated beast; its razor-sharp teeth can tear through any armor!" (In-game warning or creature description, e.g., The Witcher 3)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we delve into the evolution of predator teeth and how they adapted to various diets." (A podcast on biology or zoology, e.g., Radiolab)
General Public Discourse:
"My wisdom tooth is bothering me; I think I need to see a dentist." (A common complaint)
"That old comb has a broken tooth." (An observation about a damaged item)
"This new policy has some teeth; it's actually going to make a difference." (Praising the effectiveness of a new rule)
"My child has a serious sweet tooth; they always want dessert." (Describing a craving)
"He lost a tooth playing rugby yesterday." (A casual statement about an injury)
"This new law has no teeth, so no one will follow it." (A criticism of an ineffective rule)
10 Quotes Using Tooth
"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." (Exodus 21:24, Biblical)
"The only way out is through." (Robert Frost) - This implies grit and determination, like gritting one's "teeth."
"I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute; where no Catholic prelate would tell the President (should he be Catholic) how to act, and no Protestant minister would tell his parishioners for whom to vote; where no church or church school is granted any public funds or political preference; and where no man is denied public office merely because his religion differs from the President who might appoint him or the people who might elect him." (John F. Kennedy) - This lengthy quote, while not explicitly mentioning "tooth," relates to principles of fairness and justice, which might involve getting "teeth" into a policy.
"You're gonna need a bigger boat." (Roy Scheider as Chief Brody in Jaws, 1975) - This iconic line directly implies the formidable "teeth" of the shark.
"I have a sweet tooth." (Common phrase, widely used to describe a craving for sweets)
"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." (William Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act 4, Scene 1) - This evokes a visceral sensation, similar to a nagging "tooth"ache.
"Grin and bear it." (Common idiom) - Involves the "teeth" in a forced smile to endure hardship.
"My old dog has lost every tooth in his head, but he still loves to chew!" (Lesser-known, but common observation about pets)
"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." (Proverb, widely known) - Directly refers to examining a horse's "teeth" to determine age.
"That new law has some teeth; it's going to be effective." (Common phrase, widely used to describe policy effectiveness)
Etymology
The word "tooth" has a very ancient and deeply rooted history in the English language.
It comes directly from the Old English word tōþ.
This Old English word already meant "one of the bony structures in the mouth used for biting and chewing."
Tōþ itself traces back to Proto-Germanic (tanþs) and then to an even older Proto-Indo-European root (h₁dont-) that meant "tooth" or "to bite." This ancient root is why you'll find similar words for "tooth" in many other Indo-European languages (like Latin dens, Greek odous, and Sanskrit dant).
The first known use of "tooth" in English, with its core meaning of "a hard, bony structure in the mouth," dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). Its meaning has remained remarkably consistent for well over a thousand years.
Over time, it also developed extended meanings, such as the projections on a comb or saw, or figuratively, the "power" or "effectiveness" of something (like a law having "teeth").
Phrases + Idioms Containing Tooth
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "tooth":
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth: Retaliation in kind; exact reciprocity in punishment.
To grit one's teeth: To clench one's teeth, typically to show determination, anger, or to bear pain.
To have a sweet tooth: To have a strong liking or craving for sweet foods.
By the skin of one's teeth: By a very narrow margin; barely.
To cut one's teeth: To gain one's first experience in a particular activity or profession.
To get one's teeth into (something): To tackle a task or problem with enthusiasm and determination.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth: Do not criticize or question a gift or something received for free. (Refers to checking a horse's teeth for age).
To be long in the tooth: To be old or elderly.
To arm to the teeth: To be heavily armed or extremely well-equipped.
To have no teeth: (Of a law, rule, or threat) To be ineffective or lack enforcement power.
To pull teeth: To extract information or cooperation with great difficulty. (Synonymous with "extracting information with great effort")
To sink one's teeth into: To fully engage with or enjoy something. (Synonymous with "to fully immerse oneself")
To have a bitter tooth: (Lesser-known) To have a strong dislike or aversion to something. (Contrasts with "sweet tooth")
The grinding of teeth: An expression of anger, frustration, or pain.
To brush one's teeth: To clean one's teeth with a toothbrush.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of tooth from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
