tusk - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
tusk Word Meanings
- long, pointed teeth, especially of large animals like elephants
- used for defense or digging
- figuratively, can refer to something formidable or aggressive
tusk Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
tusk Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/tʌsk/
US
/tʌsk/
tusk Word Etymology
(a) root: tusk (from Old Norse 'tusk'; related to Latin 'tuscum' meaning 'tooth'); (b) historical origin: Old Norse → Middle English → Modern English; (c) memory image: imagine a fierce elephant towering over you, its massive tusks glistening like swords in the sunlight, a symbol of both beauty and raw power.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
An elephant's tusk is a long, curved tooth that protrudes from the upper jaw. In English, tusk refers primarily to this specific kind of tooth, but it is also used metaphorically to describe something formidable, sharp, or aggressive. Animals such as elephants, walruses, and narwhals can have tusks, and they are often used for digging, defense, or display. The image associated with tusks is powerful and primal, evoking endurance and strength. Learners should not confuse tusk with general terms like tooth or fang; tusks are larger, protrude visibly, and usually grow continuously. In figurative use, phrases like the tusks of power appear in literature and journalism.
Usage Reminders
- Use tusk for the long, curved tooth of large animals, not for ordinary teeth.
- In figurative use, tusk emphasizes power or danger and often pairs with verbs like pierce or strike.
- The plural is tusks; there is no verb form of tusk in standard English.
- Reserve tusk for animals or tools that resemble a tusk in shape or function.
- When describing wildlife or artifacts, distinguish tusk from tooth to convey size and prominence.
Common Misconceptions
- Tusk is only for elephants; other animals never have tusks.
- All long teeth are tusks.
- Tusk and horn are the same thing.
- Tusk is a verb you can conjugate.
- Ivory must always come from a tusk.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: tusk is a specialized tooth and often carries a strong visual metaphor; typical mistakes involve overgeneralizing to all long teeth or treating it as a verb.
Learning Tips
- Visualize the tusk as a weapon-like tooth to remember its defensive use.
- Compare tusk with tooth and fang to spot size and function.
- Practice identifying tusks in wildlife documentaries or museum exhibits.
- Use imagery in writing to convey strength, not just shape.
- Keep a small list of tusk-related phrases for literary contexts.
- Review irregular plurals and avoid using tusk as a verb.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'tusk'?
A.A long, pointed tooth
B.A type of tree
C.A small rodent
D.A large body of water
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'tusk' correctly.
A.Elephants are known for their impressive tusks.
B.She put on a tusk before going out.
C.The animal gracefully danced on its tusk.
D.The artist sketched a tusk in the corner of the room.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'tusk'?
A.Tooth
B.Claw
C.Horn
D.Fin
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'tusk'?
A.Feather
B.Bite
C.Mouth
D.Nail
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario involving 'tusk'?
A.A person bought a statue of an elephant at a market.
B.A hunter displayed his collection of tusks on the wall.
C.An animal used its long, sharp ivories to dig in the ground.
D.A farm was filled with animals grazing peacefully.
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