Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having teeth or tooth-like projections: Describes an object, edge, or surface that possesses teeth or a series of pointed projections.
   • Having a notched or serrated edge: Describes a margin that is irregularly indented or jagged, similar to the edge of a saw or something that has been gnawed.
   • Possessing teeth of a specific type or number: Often used in combination with other words to specify the nature of the teeth.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The dinosaur was a large, toothed predator. (The dinosaur was a large predator that had teeth.)
  • The leaf had a finely toothed margin. (The leaf's edge was finely serrated.)
  • He used a toothed wheel in the mechanism. (He used a wheel with teeth in the mechanism.)

Advanced Usage

• "Saw-toothed": Having a jagged edge with pointed teeth like those of a saw.
  • The mountain range had a saw-toothed skyline. (The mountain range's outline against the sky was jagged like a saw.)
• "Gap-toothed": Having noticeable spaces between the teeth.
  • The child smiled a gap-toothed grin. (The child smiled, showing a grin with gaps between the teeth.)

Variants and Related Words

• Toothed Whale (n): A type of whale, such as a dolphin or sperm whale, that possesses teeth, as opposed to baleen whales.
  • The orca is a powerful toothed whale.
• Toothed Gear (n): A gear or cogwheel with teeth that mesh with another gear.
  • The machine's movement depends on the toothed gears.
• Toothed can be used as a combining form, e.g., fine-toothed, sharp-toothed, many-toothed.

Synonyms

• Serrated: Having a notched or saw-like edge.
• Jagged: Having a rough, sharp, or uneven edge.
• Dentate: (Technical/Biological) Having tooth-like projections.

Antonyms

• Edentulous: Lacking teeth.
• Smooth: Having an even, regular surface without projections.
• Entire: (Botany) Having a smooth, continuous margin without indentations.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Like a toothed wheel": Functioning in a precise, interlocking manner, often implying a necessary but potentially harsh or grinding interaction.
  • The bureaucracy moved like a toothed wheel, slow but unstoppable. (The bureaucracy operated in a slow, interlocking, and relentless manner.)

Adjective

1. having an irregularly notched or toothed margin as though gnawed
2. notched like a saw with teeth pointing toward the apex
3. having teeth especially of a certain number or type; often used in combination
   • saw-toothed