Antlered is a word that is often used to describe animals that have antlers. Antlers are bony structures that grow from the heads of deer, moose, elk, and other similar animals. Antlers are used for a variety of purposes, including fighting other animals, attracting mates, and marking territory. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antlered, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Antlered is an adjective that describes an animal that has antlers. Antlers are a type of horn that is shed and regrown each year. They are typically found on male animals, although some female animals also have antlers. Antlers are used for a variety of purposes, including fighting, attracting mates, and marking territory.
Origin
The word antlered comes from the Old English word “antrian,” which means “to grow.” The word “antler” itself comes from the Latin word “anteoculae,” which means “before the eyes.” This refers to the fact that antlers grow from the frontal bone of the skull, just above the eyes.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of antlered is fairly consistent across different dictionaries. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines antlered as “having antlers.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines antlered as “having antlers, or resembling antlers.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines antlered as “having antlers, or relating to an animal with antlers.”
Associations
Antlered animals are often associated with strength, power, and virility. They are also associated with the natural world and the wilderness. In some cultures, antlered animals are seen as sacred or spiritual beings. In others, they are hunted for their meat and their antlers, which are prized as trophies.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of antlered include horned, tined, and branched. These words all describe animals that have bony structures growing from their heads. However, they may not specifically refer to antlers, as horns and antlers are different structures.
Antonyms
Antonyms of antlered include hornless, unbranched, and smooth-headed. These words describe animals that do not have bony structures growing from their heads.
The same root words
Antlered does not have any exact root words, but it is derived from the Old English word “antrian,” which means “to grow.” Other words that are derived from this root include “anther,” which refers to the pollen-bearing part of a flower, and “anthology,” which refers to a collection of literary works.
Example Sentences
- The majestic elk stood in the clearing, its antlered head held high.
- The hunter admired the antlered buck, but decided not to take the shot.
- The moose’s antlered silhouette was visible against the setting sun.
- The antlered reindeer led Santa’s sleigh through the snowy night.
- The antlered stag charged at its rival, locking horns in a fierce battle.