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Tusk, canine, fang - is it the same?
tusk, canine, fang
is there any differece in meaning of these words?
May 30, 2011 5:46 PM
Answers · 3
2
Definitely a difference.
A tusk is a tooth which grows out from the mouth. Walruses, elephants and warthogs have tusks.
A fang is a long pointed tooth in mammals. Tigers, lions, dogs, and wolves have fangs. In snakes they are the teeth which inject venom. We also say a spider has fangs for the same reason (though not technically teeth).
These are both classified as types of canine teeth, which is why you're asking the question, I guess. Canines are the pointed teeth which many mammals have, and are generally pointed and used for holding food while tearing it apart. They are usually the largest teeth in a mammal's mouth.
So for humans, we do have canine teeth but they are neither tusks nor fangs - unless we become vampires of course.
May 30, 2011
1
An elephant has tusks. (Also a walrus.)
Canine is a kind of tooth, the sharp ones near the front. People have canines and probably some animals do too.
Vampires have fangs! Also some snakes like cobras.
May 30, 2011
Thanks :)
May 30, 2011
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