tusky
Definition
Adjective: Having tusks; characterized by the presence of long, pointed teeth (tusks), as seen in animals like elephants, walruses, or wild boars.
Usage Examples
- (Describing an animal with prominent tusks.)
- (Referring to an animal known for its tusks.)
- (Describing a fictional monster with tusks.)
Advanced Usage
- "tusky grin": a smile that reveals large or prominent teeth, likened to tusks.
- The old sailor gave a tusky grin, showing his yellowed, uneven teeth. (A smile that exposes teeth in a way reminiscent of tusks.)
Variants and Related Words
- Tusk (noun): a long, pointed tooth, especially one protruding from the mouth of an elephant, walrus, or wild boar.
- The elephant used its tusk to dig for water. (The long tooth is used as a tool.)
- Tusked (adjective): having tusks (similar to "tusky," but often used for animals with notable tusks).
- The tusked boar charged through the underbrush. (The boar’s tusks were visible and dangerous.)
Synonyms
- Ivory-bearing: having ivory tusks (specific to elephants or walruses).
- Fanged: having long, sharp teeth (broader, but can overlap with "tusky" for animals like boars).
Related Idioms
- "tusky as a boar": an idiomatic comparison meaning extremely tusky or aggressive.
- The guard dog was as tusky as a boar, baring its teeth at strangers. (The dog’s teeth were prominent and intimidating.)
Etymology Note
- "Tusky" derives from the noun tusk (from Old English , meaning "tooth") combined with the suffix -y, which forms adjectives meaning "characterized by" or "full of."