canine

Everyday

1. Canine means to do with dogs or the dog family: canine behaviour, a canine friend. tree →
2. A canine is a dog or a member of the dog family, like a wolf, fox or coyote. tree →
3. A canine (canine tooth) is one of the four pointed teeth next to your front teeth, used for tearing food. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, animals are grouped into families: canines (dogs, wolves, foxes) and felines (cats). In teeth lessons, humans have incisors for cutting, canines for tearing and molars for grinding; meat-eaters have big canines. Police dogs are in the «K-9» unit (sounds like canine). Phrases: «canine teeth», «canine unit», «canine companion».

Examples

• Your canine teeth are sharp and pointed. tree →
• Wolves and foxes are canines. tree →
• A lion uses its long canines to grip its prey. tree →
• The police canine unit uses dogs to find things. tree →
• Dogs show canine behaviour like sniffing and wagging. tree →
• Count your canines in the mirror: you have four. tree →
• Feline means cats; canine means dogs. tree →
• The vet is an expert in canine health. tree →

Note

Say «KAY-nine». «K-9» is a pun on canine. Related: feline (cats), bovine (cows), equine (horses). Safety: always ask the owner before stroking a dog.