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

/ kā′nīn /

Adjective

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.

Noun

1. A canine tooth.

Other Words From

• ca·nin·i·ty [key-, nin, -i-tee], noun
• super·canine adjective noun

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

They will also deploy canines that have the ability to find explosives and firearms, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Tim Stafford, director of canine affairs, said the organisation works hard to socialise their puppies and expose them to firework sounds through recordings.

From BBC

Its hours are limited, and no dogs are allowed, a particular indignity given the number of households in South Park with canines.

From Los Angeles Times

Vengeance Most Fowl, the pair's first full-length feature film in 19 years, will see the hapless inventor and his canine companion face their arch-enemy, the evil penguin Feathers McGraw.

From BBC

By learning more about how humans distinguish between different odors, scientists can ultimately illuminate the many mysteries about how humans are related to other animals… including our more nasally adept canine best friends.

From Salon

Related Words

• mutt
• pooch
• pup