Teeth Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 5, 2024
Teeth are the hard, enamel-coated structures in the mouth of most vertebrates, used for biting, chewing, and grinding food. e.g., She brushed her teeth twice a day.
Table of Contents
Teeth Definitions
Structures in vertebrates used for biting.
Sharks have multiple rows of teeth.
Dental structures for speech and eating.
She had braces to straighten her teeth.
Various shaped projections in the mouth, each with a specific function.
Molars are the teeth used for grinding food.
Bony, pointed formations for tearing and grinding.
The tiger's teeth were sharp and strong.
Hard, calcified structures in the jaws for masticating food.
The rabbit's teeth were ideal for gnawing.
Enamel-coated organs in the mouth for chewing.
He lost two teeth playing hockey.
Visible parts of the dental system when smiling or speaking.
He had a bright smile with white teeth.
The collective term for all the dental structures in one's mouth.
Regular check-ups keep your teeth healthy.
Plural of tooth.
(informal) The ability to be enforced, or to be enforced to any useful effect.
The international community's sanctions against the regime had some teeth to them this time around.
Dated spelling of teethe
To breed, or grow, teeth.
The kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
Permanent and temporary sets in humans for different life stages.
Children lose their baby teeth as they grow.
Components of the oral cavity, crucial for digestion.
Chewing well with your teeth aids digestion.
Teeth Snonyms
Premolars
Teeth located between the canine and molar teeth, used for crushing and grinding.
She had one of her premolars extracted due to decay.
Fangs
Long, sharp, pointed teeth used for biting and tearing flesh.
The vampire movie featured characters with terrifying fangs.
Incisors
Sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth used for cutting food.
Rabbits have very prominent incisors for nibbling vegetation.
Molars
Large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding food.
The dentist said my molars were in good condition.
Ivories
Colloquial term for teeth, particularly when referring to them being white and healthy.
She brushed her ivories twice a day to keep them sparkling.
Choppers
Slang for teeth, especially large or prominent ones.
He showed off his choppers after getting braces removed.
Canines
Pointed teeth between the incisors and premolars, used for tearing food.
The lion's canines are extremely powerful and sharp.
Dentition
The arrangement or condition of the teeth in a particular species or individual.
The dentist examined the patient's dentition carefully.
Bicuspids
Another term for premolars, reflecting their typically having two points or cusps.
The dentist checked the bicuspids for any signs of cavities.
Wisdom Teeth
The third molars, usually the last teeth to emerge, often causing crowding and requiring removal.
My wisdom teeth are coming in, and the dentist says there's not enough room for them.
Teeth Idioms & Phrases
Tooth and nail
To fight, argue, or compete with a lot of effort and energy.
They fought tooth and nail to keep their local library open.
Kick in the teeth
A severe disappointment or setback.
Losing the championship game was a real kick in the teeth for the team.
Cut one's teeth on
To gain initial experience in a particular field.
She cut her teeth on local politics before running for national office.
Armed to the teeth
Heavily armed with weapons or equipped with resources.
The guards were armed to the teeth to protect the bank.
Teeth into
To engage with something with a lot of interest and energy.
Once she sunk her teeth into the new project, she worked on nothing else.
Set one's teeth on edge
To cause someone to feel intense discomfort or irritation.
The sound of nails on a chalkboard sets my teeth on edge.
Lie through one's teeth
To tell a complete and blatant lie.
He was lying through his teeth when he said he hadn't touched the cookies.
To have teeth
To have real power or force, especially in the context of a law or rule.
The new regulations have teeth, so companies will have to comply.
Like pulling teeth
Something that is very difficult and frustrating.
Getting him to finish his homework is like pulling teeth.
By the skin of one's teeth
To barely manage to do something or narrowly succeed.
He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth, getting the minimum score needed.
Long in the tooth
To be old or aging, often used humorously.
He's getting a bit long in the tooth to be playing rugby with the youngsters.
As scarce as hen's teeth
Extremely rare or difficult to find.
In this part of the city, parking spaces are as scarce as hen's teeth.
Show one's teeth
To display one’s power or aggression.
The negotiation was going well until both sides started to show their teeth.
Teeth-clenched
Showing determination, endurance, or frustration.
With a teeth-clenched effort, he finished the marathon despite his injury.
Give one's eyeteeth for
To desire something very much.
I'd give my eyeteeth for a chance to meet my favorite author.
Bare one's teeth
To show anger, aggression, or displeasure.
The normally calm manager bared his teeth when he saw the poor quality of the work.
Fed to the teeth
Completely fed up or annoyed.
She was fed to the teeth with the constant delays and excuses.
Teeth of the wind
The biting, cutting force of a very cold and strong wind.
They battled against the teeth of the wind during their mountain hike.
Teeth-chattering
Extremely cold, causing one to chatter their teeth.
The teeth-chattering cold made even the short walk to the car unbearable.
Get one's teeth into
To become fully involved in or committed to something.
He couldn't wait to get his teeth into the new research project.
Teeth Example Sentences
The dentist checked the health of his teeth.
She brushed her teeth every morning and night.
Her baby teeth started to fall out.
She had a gap between her front teeth.
Brushing your teeth helps prevent cavities.
He had his teeth whitened for the wedding.
The puppy's teeth were sharp and tiny.
Apples are good for cleaning your teeth.
He flossed between his teeth carefully.
He lost a tooth, but his adult teeth were growing in.
The cold ice cream made her teeth sensitive.
Her new teeth were coming in crooked.
The horse showed its teeth when it neighed.
Eating too much candy can damage your teeth.
She used toothpaste to clean her teeth.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called teeth?
"Teeth" is called so because it comes from the Old English word "tēth," which is the plural of "tooth." The term refers to the hard, calcified structures in the jaws of most vertebrates, used for biting and chewing.
How many syllables are in teeth?
There is one syllable in "teeth."
How do we divide teeth into syllables?
As a single syllable word, "teeth" is not divided into syllables.
What is a stressed syllable in teeth?
In "teeth," the single syllable is stressed.
What is the pronunciation of teeth?
Teeth is pronounced as /tiːθ/.
How is teeth used in a sentence?
Example: "She brushed her teeth before going to bed."
What is the verb form of teeth?
"Teeth" as a noun does not have a verb form. However, "teething" is a related verb form, referring to the growth of teeth in infants.
What is the root word of teeth?
The root word of "teeth" is the Old English "tēth," which is the plural of "tooth."
What is another term for teeth?
Another term for "teeth" is "dentition."
What is the singular form of teeth?
The singular form of "teeth" is "tooth."
What part of speech is teeth?
"Teeth" is a noun.
Is teeth an abstract noun?
"Teeth" is a concrete noun, as it refers to physical objects.
Is teeth a negative or positive word?
"Teeth" is neutral; it is neither inherently negative nor positive.
Is teeth a collective noun?
"Teeth" can be considered a collective noun when referring to all the teeth as a whole.
Which determiner is used with teeth?
Determiners like "the," "her," "his," or "my" can be used with "teeth."
Is the word teeth imperative?
No, "teeth" is a noun and cannot be imperative.
Is the word teeth Gerund?
No, "teeth" is a noun and not a gerund.
Is the word “teeth” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Teeth" can serve as a direct object, as in "He brushed his teeth."
Which vowel is used before teeth?
The use of a vowel before "teeth" depends on the context and the preceding word.
What is the opposite of teeth?
There is no direct opposite for "teeth," but "gums" might be contextually opposite as they are the soft structures that support the teeth.
Is teeth a countable noun?
Yes, "teeth" is a countable noun.
Is the teeth term a metaphor?
"Teeth" can be used metaphorically, as in "the teeth of a saw" or "the teeth of a gear."
Which preposition is used with teeth?
Prepositions like "in," "with," or "between" can be used with "teeth."
Which article is used with teeth?
The articles "the," "a," or "an" can be used with "teeth," depending on the context.
Is teeth a noun or adjective?
"Teeth" is a noun.
Is teeth an adverb?
No, "teeth" is not an adverb.
Is teeth a vowel or consonant?
"Teeth" is a word, not a single vowel or consonant.
What is the plural form of teeth?
The plural form is "teeth."
Which conjunction is used with teeth?
Conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "or" can be used with "teeth."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
