Tooth

/tuːθ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A hard, bony structure in the jaws of vertebrates, used for biting and chewing food.
She went to the dentist to get her tooth checked for cavities.
One of the small, hard, conical or flat structures that make up the biting or grinding surfaces of the jaws.
The shark has sharp, serrated teeth for catching prey.
A projecting part or sharp point on an object or structure.
The saw has several teeth that help cut through wood.
The characteristic of a gear that allows it to interlock with another gear.
The mechanical engineer explained how the teeth of the gears work together to transmit power.
A specific unit of a structure, such as a cog or gear.
He replaced a broken tooth on the machine's gear system.

Etymology

Old English 'tōþ', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'tand' and German 'Zahn'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

sweet tooth
A craving for sugary foods.
tooth and claw
In a fierce manner, especially in fighting.
by the skin of one's teeth
Narrowly escaping a disaster.

Related Words

dentist
A professional who specializes in the treatment of teeth.
odontology
The study of the structure, development, and abnormalities of the teeth.

Slang Meanings

Tooth fairy
Kids believe that the tooth fairy leaves money under their pillow when they lose a tooth.
Toothless
He looked toothless after that fight.