Definitions
(noun)
tooth
Etymology
Depicts top and bottom teeth touching each other.
About
The character 牙, an independent radical, originated as a pictograph depicting upper and lower teeth interlocking. In classical Chinese, it specifically referred to molars, the back grinding teeth, as distinct from front incisors. Over time this distinction faded, and 牙 became the general word for tooth. It also extended to mean tusks, elephant ivory, and objects that resemble teeth in shape or interlocking function.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我每天刷牙。
妈妈买了新牙刷。
弟弟的牙齿很白。
我用牙签剔牙。
这只大象有长长的象牙。
牙痛的时候不能吃甜食。
牙医建议定期检查牙齿。
儿童牙膏通常有水果味道。
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