carnassial
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /kɑːrˈnæs.i.əl/
KK: /kɑrˈnæs.i.əl/
adjective
Definition
Relating to teeth that are designed for tearing flesh, typically larger and sharper than other teeth.
Example
Dogs have carnassial teeth that help them efficiently tear meat.
Conversation
I learned that some animals have carnassial teeth for tearing meat.
Oh really? That sounds interesting!
Yeah, they're like special teeth that help with cutting rather than just chewing.
I guess that makes sense for predators!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cutting
sharp
slicing
Antonyms
blunt
dull
flat
noun
Definition
A type of tooth that is designed to tear flesh, commonly found in carnivorous animals, particularly the last upper premolar or the first lower molar.
Example
The lion used its carnassial teeth to efficiently tear the meat from its prey.
Conversation
Did you know that some animals have a special tooth called a carnassial tooth?
Really? What's so special about that?
It's designed for tearing flesh, which helps carnivores eat their prey.
Root Explanation
Carnassial → It is formed from "carn-" (from Latin "caro", meaning flesh) and "-assial" (from Latin "molaris", meaning pertaining to molars). The word "carnassial" refers to teeth that are adapted for shearing flesh, typically found in carnivorous animals.
Memory Tip
Think of 'flesh' ('carn-') and 'teeth' ('-assial') working together to remember that carnassial teeth are those designed for cutting through meat.
Visually Confused Words
parnassia
parnassian