dehorn

American  

[dee-hawrn] / diˈhɔrn /

verb (used with object)

1. to remove the horns of (cattle).

2. to prevent the formation or growth of horns in (cattle), as by cauterization.

3. Horticulture. to prune (a tree, shrub, etc.) by shortening major branches to an extreme degree.

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dehorn British  

/ diːˈhɔːn /

verb

1. to remove or prevent the growth of the horns of (cattle, sheep, or goats)

2. to cut back (the larger limbs of a tree) drastically

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• dehorner
  noun

Etymology

Origin of dehorn

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; de- + horn

Example Sentences

Wildlife managers first started to dehorn rhinos in Namibia in 1989.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 11, 2023

On a recent morning, Otto and other Hume employees prepared to dehorn 19 bulls — a brisk, clinical undertaking.

From Salon • Dec. 25, 2021

For instance, animal welfare advocates have long criticized the way farmers use caustic paste or hot irons to dehorn dairy cows so the animals don’t harm each other.

From Washington Times • Nov. 15, 2018

For instance, animal welfare advocates have long criticized the way farmers use caustic paste or hot irons to dehorn dairy cows so the animals don’t harm each other.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2018

It is a good time to dehorn them when about one year old, as they will be more peaceful subsequently than if the horns had never been allowed to grow.

From Pratt's Practical Pointers on the Care of Livestock and Poultry by Pratt Food Co.