Pronunciation: [tˈuːθ mˈɑːk] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "tooth mark" is fairly straightforward. It is spelled T-O-O-T-H M-A-R-K. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be transcribed as /tuθmɑrk/. The "th" sound represented by the IPA symbol "θ" is a voiceless dental fricative, which is the sound made when air is forced through a small gap between the teeth. The "u" in "tooth" is pronounced with the vowel sound /u/, which is a close back rounded vowel.
Tooth mark refers to an indentation or impression made by teeth on a surface or object. It is the visible result of a person or animal biting or gnawing on a particular item. Typically, tooth marks are seen in materials that are soft or susceptible to being bitten, such as food, bones, fabric, or plastic.
Tooth marks can vary in size, shape, and depth, depending on the force applied and the type of teeth involved. They can range from shallow indentations to deeper grooves or punctures. These marks often exhibit the distinct pattern of the teeth involved, revealing the shape of the incisors, canines, or molars.
Tooth marks are commonly found in forensic investigations, where they can serve as important evidence in determining bite marks or identifying suspects. Dental experts can analyze these marks by comparing them to dental records, assisting in determining the perpetrator or ruling out certain individuals.
In a broader sense, the term tooth mark can also refer to the visible evidence of wearing or damage caused by teeth on an object over time. For instance, a chewed pen cap may have tooth marks from repetitive biting or the corner of a wooden table may display impressions left by persistent tooth pressure.
Overall, tooth marks serve as a visual record of the action of teeth on various surfaces, providing insight into behavior, identification, and potential scientific investigation.
The word "tooth mark" consists of two words: "tooth" and "mark", each with their own separate etymology.
1. Tooth:
The word "tooth" can be traced back to the Old English word "tōþ", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*tanthuz". This Proto-Germanic word is also related to the Old Norse "tǫnn", Old High German "zand", and Gothic "tunthus". All of these share a common ancestor, the Proto-Indo-European root "*dont-", meaning "tooth".
2. Mark:
The word "mark" has several meanings, but in the context of "tooth mark", it refers to an imprint, impression, or trace left behind by teeth.
