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Antler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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antler

[หˆรฆntlษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal anatomy

One of the branched horns on the head of an adult male deer, which are made of bone and are grown and cast annually.

Synonyms

horn, prong, tine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
antler

Use this to refer to the branched horns that are typically found on deer, elk, and similar animals.

  • The deer had majestic antlers that made it stand out in the forest.
  • Every year, the elk shed their antlers and grow new ones.
horn

Suitable for referring to the hard, permanent projections on the heads of animals such as cows, goats, and rhinos. Unlike antlers, horns are not shed.

  • The goat's sharp horns made it intimidating.
  • Rhinoceros are hunted for their horns.
tine

Refers to the pointed branches of an antler or the pointed parts of a tool like a fork or a rake.

  • The deer's antlers had many tines.
  • Be careful not to bend the tines of the rake.
prong

This is typically one of the pointed parts that stick out from something else. It can refer to the pointed parts of forks or the branches of antlers.

  • The prongs of the fork were bent.
  • The antler's prong was broken during the fight.

Examples of usage

  • The male deer proudly displayed his large antlers.
  • She admired the intricate design of the antler she found in the forest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Antlers are made of bone and are one of the fastest growing tissues in the animal kingdom. They can grow as much as an inch a day in some species.
  • Unlike horns, which are permanent and made of keratin, antlers are shed and regrown annually, which is unique to the Cervidae family.
  • Males typically grow larger antlers than females, using them to establish dominance during mating season.

Cultural Significance

  • In many Indigenous cultures of North America, antlers symbolize strength and resilience, often used in art and spiritual ceremonies.
  • They have been featured in various folklore, denoting attributes like wisdom and power, serving as hunting trophies in many societies.
  • Antler motifs are prevalent in ancient artifacts, often representing fertility and connection to nature in various cultures.

Pop Culture

  • Antlers have appeared in movies and TV shows as symbols of wilderness and often represent fierce beauty, like in the film 'The Revenant'.
  • The character 'Rick Grimes' from the series 'The Walking Dead' has an iconic antler accessory, linking nature to survival themes.
  • Antlers are often seen in festive decorations, melding nature with holiday celebrations, such as in Christmas themes.

Ecology

  • Antlers play a vital role in animal mating rituals and social hierarchies, influencing the dynamics of animal populations.
  • The shedding of antlers provides nutrients back to the soil, aiding in forest ecosystem health.
  • Many predators also recognize antlers as indicators of an animal's strength or health, impacting predatory behavior.

Origin of 'antler'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'antler' comes from the Old French 'antelere', which refers to the branching horns of an animal.
  • It is related to the Latin word 'ante' meaning 'before', perhaps in reference to how they are seen as part of the animal's appearance.
  • Another lineage comes from the Proto-Germanic 'anantraz', which indicated a 'branch'.

The word 'antler' originated from the Old English word 'ant(e)lฤ“or', which is a combination of 'ant(e)' meaning before or in front of, and 'lฤ“or' meaning a part of the head. Antlers have historically been an important symbol in various cultures, representing strength, protection, and fertility.

See also: ant, antique, antsy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,160, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.