canine

[key-nahyn]

adjective

1. of or like a dog; relating to or characteristic of dogs.

   canine loyalty.

2. Anatomy, Zoology.,  of or relating to the four pointed teeth, especially prominent in dogs, situated one on each side of each jaw, next to the incisors.

noun

1. a canid, or member of the dog family Canidae.

2. a dog.

3. a canine tooth; cuspid.

canine

/ ˈkeɪnaɪn, ˈkæn- /

adjective

1. of or resembling a dog; doglike

2. of, relating to, or belonging to the Canidae, a family of mammals, including dogs, jackals, wolves, and foxes, typically having a bushy tail, erect ears, and a long muzzle: order Carnivora (carnivores)

3. of or relating to any of the four teeth, two in each jaw, situated between the incisors and the premolars

noun

1. any animal of the family Canidae

2. a canine tooth

canine

1. Characteristic of or resembling dogs, wolves, or related animals.

2. Relating to any of the four pointed teeth located behind the incisors in most mammals. In carnivores, the canine teeth are adapted for cutting and tearing meat.

1. A canine tooth.

Other Word Forms

• caninity noun
• supercanine adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of canine¹

1350–1400; Middle English canine canine tooth (< Middle French ) < Latin canīnus, equivalent to can ( is ) dog + -īnus -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of canine¹

C17: from Latin canīnus, from canis dog

Example Sentences

"This long-term behavioral change highlights the potential of CBD as a therapy for canine behavioral issues," added co-author Dr. Julia Albright, an associate professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee.

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Amid applause, the pint-size canine trotted to her crate for treats, water and rest until the next round of the North American Weight Pull Association competition.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He then demands that she report to his home office, where, moments after she steps into the room, he tersely says, “Sit,” as if issuing a command to another canine.

Read more on Salon

He smiled the rubbery, doggish Ashton smile that all the men in his family shared, wide and toothy, with the canine teeth on full display.

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Lord Ashton’s jaw clenched in anger, which made his almost-pointed ears quiver in a frankly canine way.

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Related Words

• mutt 
• pooch 
• pup