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

• dehorner noun

Etymology

Origin of dehorn

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

Example Sentences

Screwworms pose a serious threat to farm animals, especially those with common injuries from barbed wire, birthing, or procedures such as dehorning.

From Science Daily

The main reason why these countries have rapidly growing stockpiles of horns is believed to be the dehorning programme.

From BBC

Although dehorning has been linked to some behavioral changes in rhinos, it has also been proven to keep them alive.

From Salon

If it does, Linklaters ays, that would be another reason to limit the use of dehorning to emergencies of intense poaching.

From Science Magazine

Like fingernails, rhino horns grow back with time and animals are usually dehorned once every 18 months.

From New York Times