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adj Uncommon

canine

KAY-nyn

Canine (adj) means relating to or resembling dogs. Example: “The vet specializes in canine health.”

adj
1
Relating to or resembling dogs.
"The vet specializes in canine health."
noun
1
A dog, or an animal in the dog family.
"The shelter houses about thirty canines at any given time."
2
One of the pointed teeth located between the incisors and premolars.
"The dentist pointed out a chip in her upper canine."

How to Use Canine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving to do with dogs, or a dog itself; also the name for the pointy "fang" teeth.

Common pairings
canine teeth canine companion canine unit (police dogs)

Word Forms

canines plural

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Test yourself on “canine” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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The vet specializes in _____ health.

Etymology

From Latin caninus, "of dogs," from canis, "dog."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for canine

See all rhymes for canine →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “canine” mean?

The word “canine” means relating to or resembling dogs. In plain terms, having to do with dogs, or a dog itself; also the name for the pointy "fang" teeth.

How do you pronounce “canine”?

“Canine” is pronounced KAY-nyn (/ˈkeɪˌnaɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “canine” in a sentence?

Here is “canine” used in a sentence: “The vet specializes in canine health.”

What part of speech is “canine”?

Depending on how it is used, “canine” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “canine” come from?

The word “canine” comes from Latin. From Latin caninus, "of dogs," from canis, "dog.".

Is “canine” a common word?

“Canine” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “canine” have?

“Canine” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or resembling dogs.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial