pointed tooth crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for the solution to the crossword clue "pointed tooth", you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most common and accurate answers to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "pointed tooth crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
CANINE: A sharp, pointed tooth located between the incisors and premolars in mammals, often referred to as a "dog tooth".
4 Letters
FANG: A long, sharp, pointed tooth, especially characteristic of carnivorous animals used for piercing flesh.
CUSP: A pointed projection or elevation on the crown of a tooth, which helps in chewing.
More About "pointed tooth crossword clue"
The clue "pointed tooth" most commonly refers to a specific type of tooth found in many mammals: the canine. These teeth are distinctively sharp and conical, designed for tearing and gripping food. While dogs are famous for their canines, humans also possess them, located at the corners of our mouths, playing a role in speech and biting.
Beyond canines, other terms like "fang" or "cusp" can also fit the description, depending on the crossword's specific context or the number of letters required. Fangs are typically elongated, very sharp teeth, often associated with predators, snakes, or vampires. A cusp, on the other hand, is a general term for a pointed projection on any tooth's surface, essential for mastication.
Understanding these distinctions can be key to solving the puzzle. Crossword setters often play on the subtle differences in meaning and common usage, so considering all possibilities for "pointed tooth" based on the available letters is a good strategy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters you have in the grid with potential answers. For "pointed tooth," this immediately helps narrow down choices like CANINE (6 letters) vs. FANG or CUSP (4 letters).
- Consider Broader Categories: If a specific tooth type doesn't fit, think about parts of a tooth (like a cusp) or teeth associated with particular animals (like a tusk for an elephant, though less common for just "pointed tooth").
- Look for Plurals or Verb Forms: While "pointed tooth" implies a singular noun, sometimes clues can subtly hint at plurals (e.g., "pointed teeth") or even verb forms related to teeth, although less likely for this specific clue.
- Context is King: Pay attention to other clues in the puzzle. Sometimes a theme or a specific type of vocabulary (e.g., medical, biological) might be implied, which can guide your answer choice.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of teeth are commonly clued in crosswords?
Crosswords frequently clue various tooth types such as CANINE, MOLAR, INCISOR, FANG, and CUSP. The specific context of the clue, like 'pointed' or 'grinding', helps narrow down the correct answer.
How does word length help in solving 'pointed tooth' clues?
Word length is crucial. For 'pointed tooth', if the answer is 6 letters, CANINE is a strong candidate. If it's 4 letters, FANG or CUSP might be the answer. Always match the number of letters you have with the potential solution.
Are there common alternative meanings for 'tooth' in crosswords?
Sometimes 'tooth' can refer to a cog on a gear, a projection on a comb, or even be part of a phrase like 'tooth and nail'. However, for 'pointed tooth', it almost always refers to a biological tooth type.