Noun Phrase
/fɜrst tuθ/
The phrase "first tooth" refers to the initial tooth that appears in an infant's mouth, marking an important milestone in their developmental process. It is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, especially in discussions about child development and parenting. The frequency of use is moderate and tends to increase in conversations among new parents, pediatricians, and child care professionals.
The phrase "first tooth" is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. However, various expressions related to milestones in development can be discussed. Below are some relevant idioms that focus on the concept of beginnings and growth:
The word "first" originates from Old English fēorðe, meaning "the foremost" or "the initial." The word "tooth" comes from Old English tōþ, which is related to the Dutch word tand and German Zahn, indicating a similar concept across Germanic languages.
Synonyms: - Initial tooth - Primary tooth - First molar (when referring to specific type)
Antonyms: - Last tooth
The phrase "first tooth" stands distinct in its specific reference to an infant's initial dental development, making direct antonyms rare.