Definition

A pair of bony growths that usually grow on the heads of male deer and some other animals, which are shed and regrown each year.

Example

The deer proudly displayed its large antlers during the mating season.

Conversation

Did you see that deer in the park yesterday?

Yeah, it had such impressive antlers!

I wonder how heavy those antlers are for them to carry around.

I read they shed them every year, which is pretty interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antler originates from the Old French word *antelere*, which means a branch or a horn. The word is derived from the Latin *ante* (meaning before) and *alere* (meaning to nourish or to grow). Antlers are the branched horns that grow before the animal's head, nourished by the body.

Memory Tip

Think of antlers as 'branches' that 'grow' from an animal's head, which helps you remember that antlers are the branched horns that develop on certain animals.

Visually Confused Words