n. & v.
n. (pl. teeth) 1 each of a set of hard bony enamel-coated structures in the jaws of most vertebrates, used for biting and chewing. 2 a toothlike part or projection, e.g. the cog of a gearwheel, the point of a saw or comb, etc. 3 (often foll. by for) one's sense of taste; an appetite or liking. 4 (in pl.) force or effectiveness (the penalties give the contract teeth).
v. 1 tr. provide with teeth. 2 intr. (of cog-wheels) engage, interlock. armed to the teeth completely and elaborately armed or equipped. fight tooth and nail fight very fiercely. get one's teeth into devote oneself seriously to. in the teeth of 1 in spite of (opposition or difficulty etc.). 2 contrary to (instructions etc.). 3 directly against (the wind etc.). set a person's teeth on edge see EDGE. tooth-billed (of a bird) having toothlike projections on the cutting edges of the bill. tooth-comb = fine-tooth comb (see FINE(1)). tooth powder powder for cleaning the teeth. tooth shell = tusk shell. toothed adj. (also in comb.). toothless adj. toothlike adj.
[ OE toth (pl. teth) f. Gmc ]