antler
antler Lexical Profile
antler Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Either of a pair of branched bony outgrowths on the head of a deer, elk, moose, or caribou, typically present only on males and shed and regrown each year.
"The male elk shed its heavy antlers in late winter before growing a new pair in the spring."
The dense, bony material of a deer's antler, used for carving, toolmaking, or decorative handles.
"Archaeologists uncovered several prehistoric tools and needles carved from polished antler."
Word Nuance & Usage
Unlike horns, which are permanent keratin-covered projections found on cattle, sheep, and goats, antlers are solid bony structures grown by members of the deer family that are shed and regrown annually.
• Rhymes for antler
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Anglo-French 'auntelere' and Old French 'antoillier' (originally denoting the lowest branch of a deer's horn), from Vulgar Latin '*antocularem' (literally 'located in front of the eyes'), from Latin 'ante' (before) and 'oculus' (eye).