TUSKED Meaning and
Definition
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The term "tusked" refers to an object or creature possessing a pair of long, pointed, and often curved teeth or artifacts resembling such teeth. It is typically used to describe the remarkable morphological feature found in several animal species. These elongated and often protruding structures are commonly referred to as tusks and are present in both males and females of certain animal groups.
Tusks are generally found in large mammals that are part of the order Proboscidea, including elephants, mammoths, and mastodons. In these animals, tusks serve multiple purposes. They are used as tools for digging, gathering food, and defense against predators. Additionally, tusks can be utilized for display purposes during mating rituals or as a means of asserting dominance within their social hierarchy.
However, tusks are not exclusive to proboscideans. Other creatures such as walruses, wild boars, and narwhals possess them too. While walruses and wild boars mainly employ their tusks for defense, narwhals exhibit an exceptionally long, spiraling tusk protruding from their upper jaw, which is believed to play a role in communication, hunting, and as a means of attracting mates.
Outside of the natural world, the term "tusked" can also be used figuratively to describe inanimate objects with pointed or curved structures resembling tusks. For instance, certain types of hooks, handles, or tools may be described as tusked due to their distinctive shape or function.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TUSKED
Etymology of TUSKED
The word "tusked" is derived from the Old Norse word "tǫskr", which refers to a sharp tooth, specifically a canine tooth. This Old Norse term was later adopted into Middle English as "tuske", which retained the same meaning. Over time, the spelling evolved to "tusk", and "tusked" emerged as the past participle form of the verb "tusk". The word is typically used to describe animals that have long, pointed, and often curved canine teeth, such as elephants, walruses, and boars.
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