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Added 9 October 2026

fang

/ˈfæŋ/ noun

Categories: LanguageAnimalsRare Words

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about fang at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. A long, pointed canine tooth used for biting and tearing flesh. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
  2. Synonym of mandible, the long mouthpart of insects and other invertebrates.
  3. A long, pointed tooth in snakes, used for injecting venom.

verb

  1. To strike or attack with the fangs.
  2. To enable to catch or tear; to furnish with fangs.

verb

  1. To catch, capture; seize.
  2. To take; receive with assent; accept.
  3. To receive with hospitality.

noun

  1. A grasping; capture; the act or power of seizing; hold.
  2. That which is seized or carried off; booty; spoils; stolen goods.
  3. Any item, body part, or projection used for or capable of catching or seizing, particularly Synonym of trap or noose. Synonym of root, the part of a tooth embedded in the gums. Synonym of root, a major projection of a plant's root system. Synonym of claw or talon. Synonym of spike or prong, any sharp projection. Synonym of tang, the projection of a piece of metal intended to be driven into a shaft for holding.

Origin

From clipping of fangtooth, from Middle English *fangtooth, *fengtooth, from Old English fengtōþ (“molar tooth”), from feng, preterite of fōn (“to catch, take, seize”). Cognate with German Fangzahn (“fang”, literally “catch-tooth”) and Dutch vangtand. See also related senses of Etymology 3 below.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Related Words: eyetoothcroctuanfishingfishbangchihhousingcatchcapturefongparty

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