teeth Definition

teeth tooth

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tooth
noun teeth

1. In vertebrates: any of the hard structures, usually embedded in the upper and lower jaw bones, that are used for biting and chewing food.

Thesaurus: denticle, fang, incisor, molar, tusk.
2. In invertebrates: any similar structure that is used for rasping or grinding food, or that resembles a vertebrate tooth.
3. Anything like a tooth in shape, arrangement or function, such as one of many equally spaced projections around the edge of a gear wheel or points on a comb.
4. An appetite or liking, especially for sweet foods.

Example: a sweet tooth
5. Enough power or force to be effective.

Form: teeth

verb toothed, toothing

1. To provide something with teeth.
intr
2. Said of cogs: to interlock.

Derivative: toothless

Without teeth.
Thesaurus: edentulous, fangless, gummy.

Powerless or ineffective.
Thesaurus: powerless, ineffectual, unenforceable.

Idiom: get one's teeth into something

To tackle or deal with it vigorously or eagerly, etc.

Idiom: in the teeth of something

Against it; in opposition to it.

Idiom: kick in the teeth (kick someone in the teeth)

See under kick.

Idiom: long in the tooth

colloq
Old.

Idiom: set someone's teeth on edge

To cause them a sharp pain in the teeth, eg when they eat something very cold.

To cause them to wince.

To irritate them severely.

Idiom: take the teeth out of something

To make it harmless.

Idiom: tooth and nail

Fiercely and with all one's strength.
Thesaurus: energetically, fiercely, fervently, vigorously, hammer and tongs.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon toth.