edentateadj.n.
/iːˈdɛnteɪt/ A. adj.
Characterized by the absence of incisor and canine teeth; belonging to the order Edentata; see B. Sometimes = ‘toothless’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > order Edentata > [adjective]
edentate1828
edental1845
paratherian1888
the world > life > the body > digestive or excretive organs > digestive organs > mouth > tooth or teeth > [adjective] > having no
toothless1398
untootheda1535
fangless1600
edentulous1782
edentate1828
edental1845
gummy1906
1828 J. Stark Elements Nat. Hist. I. 406 Mouth not entirely furnished with teeth, and often edentate.
1835–6 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. I. 245/2 The mouth..consists of two..edentate mandibles sheathed with horn.
1885 W. K. Parker Mammalian Descent iv. 96 He is not truly edentate, but has teeth.
B. n.
1. in plural = Edentata n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > order Edentata > [noun]
Edentata1831
edentates1835
1835 W. Kirby On Power of God in Creation of Animals II. xvii. 208 Like most of the other Edentates, they [the Sloths] can roll themselves up and take a long and reckless sleep.
1880 S. Haughton Six Lect. Physical Geogr. vi. 269 The Edentates are among the lowest forms of placental Mammals.
2. humorously. One who has lost his teeth.
ΚΠ
1850 C. Kingsley Alton Locke II. xv. 221 How could a poor edentate like myself articulate a word?
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
† edentatev.
Obsolete. rare. Apparently only attested in dictionaries or glossaries.
transitive. To strike out, or draw out (a person's) teeth.
ΚΠ
1656 T. Blount Glossographia Edentate, to strike out, or draw out ones teeth.
1721–1800 in N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict.
Derivatives
ΚΠ
1623 in H. Cockeram Eng. Dict.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
<
adj.n.1828
v.1623