colmillo (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Colmillo is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/kolˈmi.ʝo/

Translation Options into English

• Fang
• Tusks
• Canine (when referring to teeth)

Meaning and Usage

Colmillo refers primarily to a type of tooth found in animals, specifically those that are pointed and elongated, such as tusks in elephants or canine teeth in carnivorous animals. In human anatomy, it typically refers to the canine teeth, which are the pointed teeth located next to the incisors.

In the Spanish language, "colmillo" is commonly used both in conversation and in texts, but it may appear more frequently in scientific or medical contexts when discussing anatomy. Its frequency of use is moderate, given its specific application.

Example Sentences

1. El tigre tiene colmillos muy afilados que le ayudan a cazar.

2. The tiger has very sharp fangs that help him hunt.

3. Los colmillos del jabalí son un símbolo de fuerza en la naturaleza.

4. The tusks of the wild boar are a symbol of strength in nature.

5. En la boca de los humanos, los colmillos son esenciales para morder alimentos.

6. In humans, the canine teeth are essential for biting food.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word colmillo can be featured in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish, often referring to fierceness, cunning, or natural instincts.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Tener colmillos
2. Significa ser astuto o tener experiencia en una situación.
3. En el mundo de los negocios, él tiene colmillos porque ha pasado por muchas dificultades.

4. In the business world, he has fangs because he has been through many difficulties.

5. Colmillo afilado

6. Se utiliza para hablar de alguien que es peligroso o tiene malas intenciones.
7. Cuidado con esa persona; tiene colmillo afilado.

8. Be careful with that person; they have sharp fangs.

9. Colmillo de perro

10. Se refiere a alguien que está en una situación desafiante o peligrosa.
11. Esa situación se asemeja a un colmillo de perro, en la que nadie sabe qué esperar.
12. That situation resembles a dog's fang, where no one knows what to expect.

Etymology

The word "colmillo" originates from the Latin word "cumulus," which means "heap" or "pile." The evolution of the meaning from a general term to a specific reference to pointed teeth likely highlights the characteristics of dentition similar to a pile of sharp objects.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Diente (tooth) - Canino (canine)

Antonyms: - In some contexts, a possible antonym could be "molares" (molars), which refers to flatter teeth used for grinding.

This comprehensive overview provides a deep understanding of the word "colmillo" across various contexts, frequency, and usage in the Spanish language.