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Horned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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horned

[hษ”rnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical description

Horned refers to an object or creature that has horns, which are pointed, bony structures that protrude from the heads of certain animals. These horns can serve various purposes such as defense, dominance displays, or attracting mates. They are most commonly found in species like cattle, goats, and certain types of deer. The presence of horns can also indicate physical maturity and health in some species. In a broader sense, the term can be used metaphorically in various literary contexts.

Synonyms

antlered, pointed, spiked.

Examples of usage

  • The horned owl hooted in the night.
  • They spotted a horned beetle in the garden.
  • The ancient temple was adorned with carvings of horned animals.
  • The horned lizard can change its color to blend with its environment.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Horned animals can be herbivores or carnivores, and horns can serve multiple purposes, including defense, mating displays, and territory establishment.
  • Some horns are made of keratin, the same material found in human nails and hair, while others are bony extensions of the skull.
  • The shape and size of horns can indicate health and vitality, often influencing mating success in various species.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, horns symbolize strength, power, and protection, making them common in art and mythology.
  • The horned god, often seen in pagan traditions, represents fertility and nature, bridging the gap between the earthly and spiritual realms.

Pop Culture

  • Horned characters appear frequently in fantasy TV shows and films, such as devils or mystical creatures in stories, capturing the imagination.
  • Many popular video games feature horned characters that often possess extraordinary powers, reinforcing the idea of horns symbolizing strength.

Geology

  • Some geological formations bear the name 'horn' due to their pointed or horn-like appearances, demonstrating nature's creative analogies.
  • The 'horn' formation in the Alps signifies a sharp, glacial peak that often seems to have the characteristic horn-like shape.

Origin of 'horned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'horn' comes from the Old English 'horn', which relates to hard projections found on some animals.
  • In many languages, the word for horn is similar, showing a common origin based on the importance of these features in nature.

The word 'horned' is derived from the Old English term 'horn,' which means a hard, pointed projection from an animal's head. This term has roots in Proto-Germanic '*hornรด,' which further traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root '*แธฑer-', meaning 'to horn or to create a point.' Over time, the term evolved to describe not just the physical attribute of animals possessing horns, but also metaphorically to characterize things that resemble or relate to horns. In various cultures, horned creatures have appeared in mythology and folklore, often symbolizing strength or aggression. The use of 'horned' has expanded into various fields, from zoology to literature, illustrating the versatility and significance of this term across different contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,321, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.