antler

[ant-ler]

noun

1. one of the solid deciduous horns, usually branched, of an animal of the deer family.

antler

/ ˈæntlə /

noun

1. one of a pair of bony outgrowths on the heads of male deer and some related species of either sex. The antlers are shed each year and those of some species grow more branches as the animal ages

Other Word Forms

• antlerless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of antler¹

1350–1400; Middle English aunteler < Middle French antoillier < Vulgar Latin *anteoculārem ( rāmum ), accusative singular of *anteoculāris ( rāmus ) anteocular (branch of a stag's horn). See ante-, ocular

Word History and Origins

Origin of antler¹

C14: from Old French antoillier, from Vulgar Latin anteoculare (unattested) (something) in front of the eye

Example Sentences

Mule deer — with their white hindquarters and regal antlers — were first brought to the island in 1928 as game animals, according to Barton.

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It ebbs around an elk’s skull, five-point antlers still attached, and a muzzle loader hanging on the wall.

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The stag's antlers, now fully hardened and velvet‑free, regrow each spring, becoming more impressive with each year as new points called tines develop.

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“Equipped with sharp hooves and antlers, a deer will lash out and defend itself if startled. This happens most often when visitors try to approach or feed them.”

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And at Christmas, the team dressed in Santa hats and reindeer antlers - sending a festive message for a Christmas that they had originally planned to spend at home.

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