tusk
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /tʌsk/
KK: /tʌsk/
noun
Definition
A long, pointed tooth that sticks out from the mouth of certain animals, like elephants and walruses, often used for digging or as a weapon.
Example
The elephant used its tusk to dig for roots in the ground.
Conversation
Did you see that documentary about elephants last night?
Yeah, I did! I was amazed by their huge tusk size.
Right? I didn't realize how important those tusks are for their survival.
Exactly! They use them for digging and even as weapons.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
tooth
fang
ivory
Antonyms
gum
stub
root
transitive verb
Definition
To use the long, pointed teeth of certain animals, like elephants or wild boars, to dig or stab.
Example
The elephant tusked the ground in search of roots.
Tense Forms
Past: tusked
Past Participle: tusked
Conversation
Did you hear about the elephant at the zoo that tried to tusk the fence?
Yeah, I saw it on the news! That was kind of wild.
I can't believe it actually managed to tusk that hard.
Root Explanation
The word 'tusk' originates from Old English 'tusc', which means a tooth, particularly a long, pointed tooth of an animal. It is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German 'zuhs' and Dutch 'tand', both meaning tooth. The word 'tusk' specifically refers to the elongated teeth found in certain animals, like elephants and wild boars.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word for tooth, 'tusc', to remember that a tusk is a long, pointed tooth found in some animals.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.