n.
(pl. teeth)
- each of a set of hard, bony enamel-coated structures in the jaws, used for biting and chewing.
- a projecting part, especially a cog on a gearwheel or a point on a saw or comb.
-
(teeth)
genuine power or effectiveness:
the Charter would be fine if it had teeth.
- an appetite or liking for a particular thing.
Phrase
- armed to the teeth
formidably armed. - fight tooth and nail
fight very fiercely. - get
(or sink)
one's teeth into
work energetically and productively on. - in the teeth of
- directly against (the wind).
- in spite of (opposition or difficulty).
Derivative
- toothed adj.
- tooth-like adj.
Etymology
OE tōth (pl. tēth), of Gmc origin.