tu:θ n. & v. --n. (pl. teeth) 1
each of a set of
hard bony enamel-coated structures in
the jaws of
most vertebrates, used
for biting and chewing. 2 a toothlike
part or
projection, e.g. the
cog of a
gearwheel, the
point of a saw or
comb, etc. 3 (often foll. by for) one's
sense of
taste; an
appetite or
liking. 4 (in pl.) force or effectiveness (the penalties
give the
contract teeth). --v. 1 tr.
provide with teeth. 2 intr. (of cog-wheels)
engage,
interlock. øarmed to the teeth completely and elaborately armed or equipped.
fight tooth and
nail fight
very fiercely.
get one's teeth
into devote oneself seriously to. in the teeth of 1 in
spite of (opposition or
difficulty etc.). 2
contrary to (instructions etc.). 3
directly against (the wind etc.). set a person's teeth on
edge see EDGE. tooth-billed (of a bird) having toothlike projections on the
cutting edges of the bill. tooth-comb = fine-tooth comb (see FINE(1)). tooth
powder powder for cleaning the teeth. tooth
shell =
tusk shell. øøtoothed adj. (also in comb.). toothless adj. toothlike adj. [OE toth (pl. teth) f. Gmc]
