1. relating to or denoting the pair of teeth (one in each jaw) adapted for tearing flesh in carnivorous mammals
Usage: zoology; anatomy

1. a carnassial tooth; the large shearing tooth in carnivorous mammals, typically the fourth premolar in the upper jaw and the first molar in the lower jaw
Usage: zoology; anatomy

Examples

• The lion's carnassial teeth are specially adapted for slicing through meat.
• Dogs have well-developed carnassial teeth that help them process their food.
• The carnassial is one of the most important teeth in a carnivore's mouth.
• Paleontologists can identify carnivorous species by examining their carnassial teeth.
• The carnassial teeth work together like scissors to tear food apart.
• Cats rely on their sharp carnassial teeth for hunting and eating prey.