Pronunciation: [tˈuːθmɑːk] (IPA) 
The word "toothmark" is spelled as /tuːθmɑːrk/. It is composed of two parts: "tooth" and "mark". The first part is pronounced as /tuːθ/ and refers to the hard structure in the mouth used for biting and chewing. The second part, "mark", is pronounced as /mɑːrk/ and refers to a visible impression left by something. When combined, toothmark refers to a visible impression left by a tooth on an object or surface.
Toothmark refers to the incision or indentation made by teeth, typically found on an object, surface, or living organism. It is a physical impression left behind by the teeth of an animal, often used as an identification or diagnostic tool in various fields such as forensic science, zoology, paleontology, and dentistry.
In forensic science, toothmarks can be crucial in identifying the offender in cases involving bite marks left on victims or crime scene evidence. Dental professionals and forensic odontologists use toothmarks as a means of comparing them to dental records and determining the suspect's possible involvement.
In zoology, toothmarks are often researched to understand an animal's feeding habits, diet, prey-predator interactions, and behavior. Paleontologists study fossilized toothmarks to gain insight into ancient ecosystems and to ascertain the feeding behavior of extinct organisms.
Toothmarks can also be significant in dentistry, particularly in orthodontics, where they are used to assess the alignment and occlusion of the teeth. Dental impressions may reveal toothmarks that indicate abnormalities, such as malocclusions or bite discrepancies, which can guide treatment planning.
Regardless of the field, toothmarks typically provide valuable information about teeth and their interactions within their environment. They represent a distinct pattern left behind by the unique arrangement, size, and shape of an animal's teeth, offering insights into various aspects of biology, pathology, and behavior.
The word "toothmark" is a compound noun composed of the words "tooth" and "mark".
The word "tooth" comes from the Old English word "tōþ", which is similar in many Germanic languages, such as Old High German "zand" and Old Norse "tann". This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*tanþs".
The word "mark" originates from the Old English word "mearc", which means "sign" or "boundary". It is related to the Old High German word "marha" and the Old Norse word "merki". The origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*markō".
