rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfangSharp tooth
noun

fang

FANG/fæŋ/

A long, sharp tooth used for biting or injecting venom.

The viper exposes a long curved fang in its open mouth.

Close-up of a viper's open mouth, with its long, curved upper fangs prominently exposed against the smaller teeth.
Etymology
fangOld Englishto seize, capture

The underlying image is seizing or catching. The tooth sense probably developed from an Old English expression meaning “grasping-tooth,” and later extended to a serpent’s venom tooth.

In context

Nat Geo Animals36:08
She holds up to 20 drops of venom per fang.
Africa's Most Dangerous Snakes (Full Episode) | World's Deadliest Snakes | Nat Geo Animals

More examples

  • Both fangs were visible.
  • The fang curved backward.
  • She studied the snake's fangs.

Forms

fang · fangs

Similar words

tooth
The broader anatomical term.
tusk
An elongated projecting tooth usually used for digging or defense.