eyetooth

[ ahy-tooth ]

noun

, plural eye·teeth [ahy, -teeth].

1. Dentistry. a canine tooth of the upper jaw: so named from its position under the eye.

eyetooth

/ ˌaɪˈtuːθ /

noun

1. either of the two canine teeth in the upper jaw
2. give one's eyeteeth for
   give one's eyeteeth for to go to any lengths to achieve or obtain (something)

   I'd give my eyeteeth for a radio as good as that

Word History and Origins

Origin of eyetooth¹

First recorded in 1570–80; eye + tooth

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. cut one's eyeteeth,
   1. to gain sophistication or experience; become worldly-wise.
   2. Also cut one's eyeteeth on. to be initiated or gain one's first experience in (a career, hobby, skill, etc.).
2. give one's eyeteeth, to give something one considers very precious, usually in exchange for an object or situation one desires:

   She would give her eyeteeth for that job.

Example Sentences

I give her a grin, and my lip catches on a dry eyetooth, studding in the cold.

From Nautilus

You might have let them all in, you might have landed them all—so they tell me, at least—if you'd have withdrawn Eyetooth.

From Project Gutenberg

I dreamed, says Ismena, mine eyetooth was loose, and that I thrust it out with my tongue.

From Project Gutenberg

And in the same motion his white eyetooth scored a deep furrow in the side of the charging foe.

From Project Gutenberg