Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a horn or horns: Possessing one or more horns, which are typically hard, pointed, often curved, permanent projections on the head of certain animals.
   • Having hornlike parts or projections: Having parts that resemble or are shaped like horns.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The horned lizard uses its distinctive head shape for camouflage.
  • We saw a herd of horned cattle grazing in the field.
  • The museum displayed a fossil of a horned dinosaur.

Advanced Usage

• "Horned" as a descriptive term in compound names: Often used in the common names of animals to specify a key physical characteristic.
  • The horned owl is known for its distinctive feather tufts.
• In mythology and heraldry: Used to describe mythical creatures or symbolic representations.
  • Many ancient cultures depicted horned deities.

Variants and Related Words

• Horn (noun): The hard, pointed projection itself.
• Hornless (adjective): The opposite, meaning without horns.
• Horny (adjective): Made of or resembling horn; having a hard texture. (Note: This word has other common, informal meanings).

Synonyms

• Antlered: Specifically having antlers (branched horns that are shed and regrown annually, as in deer).
• Cornuted: A more technical or literary synonym for horned.

Related Phrases

• "Horned in": This is not a standard phrasal verb form of the adjective "horned." It is related to the verb "horn" (to intrude or interfere).
  • He always horns in on our private conversations.

Related Idioms

• "Lock horns": To argue, dispute, or come into conflict with someone. This idiom uses the image of horned animals fighting.
  • The two managers locked horns over the new budget.

Adjective

1. having a horn or horns or hornlike parts or horns of a particular kind
   • horned viper
   • great horned owl
   • the unicorn--a mythical horned beast
   • long-horned cattle