canine

USAGE SUMMARY

"canine" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a dog or related animal such as a wolf or fox. For example: "The veterinarian examined the canine's leg to check for any signs of injury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One might say that each of the three heads—or each of the three souls associated with the heads—is a fully canine individual, and yet there is only one being, Cerberus, with the full canine nature.

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Pets at Home has a Doggie Boutique offering everything from colour co-ordinated doggie beds to canine bling.

The Guardian - Business

Sea lions have canine teeth, just like a dog.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But this canine apartheid is starting to relax.Mixed-breeds, euphemistically known as "All-Americans", were invited to enter the inaugural agility championship, making this year the first time they have taken part at Westminster since the show began in 1884.

The Economist

Judges prodded bodies, scrutinised canine teeth and inspected schnauzers' snouts.

The Economist

Observing this, Deborah Goodwin and her colleagues wondered whether the same might be true of canine behavioural differences.In this section To screen, or not to screen?

The Economist

(She even appeared on a Fox news programme with just such a caterwauling canine, getting up at 4am to travel into New York city for the privilege).

The Economist

Fanciers of muscular hounds with big jaws could circumnavigate the law by crossing, say, a mastiff with a pit bull, to create a perfectly legal canine nasty (as, indeed, has happened in Britain).In this section Entering the Yugosphere The parties' tax tangle Shoot the puppy!

The Economist

The canine incident has sparked public debate, but that will be of cold comfort to the woman involved, whose reputation has been annihilated.

The Economist

Tellingly, Dogbert, the manipulative canine, has never sold as well as Dilbert, the victim of cubicle land.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it is possible that Rand would regard similarities as themselves being relational property-particulars or tropes, rather than universals, so that the canine-similarity between Fido and Lassie would be a different particular from the canine-similarity between Lassie and Snoopy.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "canine" in scientific or formal writing, ensure the context clearly distinguishes between its zoological meaning (member of Canidae) and its dental meaning (canine tooth).

Common error

Avoid using "K9" interchangeably with "canine" in formal writing. "K9" is typically reserved for describing dogs specifically trained for law enforcement or military purposes, whereas "canine" is a broader term.

Linguistic Context

The word "canine" functions as both a noun, referring to a member of the dog family (Canidae), and an adjective, describing something related to dogs or having dog-like characteristics. As stated by Ludwig AI, it's a usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "canine" functions as both a noun and an adjective, denoting members of the dog family or characteristics associated with them. As noted by Ludwig AI, its versatile application spans scientific, journalistic, and general contexts. The linguistic analysis reveals a preference for formal to neutral settings, making it suitable for academic discussions and professional communications. Common usages include references to animal biology and dental anatomy, while related terms such as "dog-like" and "member of Canidae" offer nuanced alternatives. While generally correct, care should be taken to avoid confusion with the informal "K9" or misapplication in inappropriate contexts. Overall, "canine" is a reliable and informative term, particularly in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dog-like

Emphasizes the resemblance to dogs in appearance or behavior.

dog family member

Highlights the familial relation within the Canidae family.

member of Canidae

More formal and scientific way to describe related species.

related to dogs

Broadens the scope to include anything associated with dogs.

wolfish

Highlights the resemblance to wolves, a specific type of canine.

dog breed

Refers to specific types within the canine species.

dog-related

Covers any aspect linked to dogs.

cuspid tooth

Focuses on a specific anatomical feature also known as canine tooth.

predatory mammal

Describes canines through their ecological role.

domesticated dog

Emphasizes the domestication aspect of canines.

FAQs

How is "canine" used in a sentence?

You can use "canine" to refer to any member of the dog family, as in "The veterinarian specializes in "canine health"", or to describe the pointy teeth between the incisors and premolars, such as "The "canine tooth" is used for tearing meat".

What words are similar to "canine"?

Similar words include "dog", "dog-like", "member of Canidae", "cuspid" (referring to the tooth), and "wolfish".

Is it correct to say "canine" instead of "dog"?

Yes, "canine" can be used instead of "dog", but it's generally more formal and encompasses a broader range of animals within the dog family, including wolves, foxes, and jackals. "Dog" is more specific to domesticated dogs.

What is the difference between "canine" and "doggy"?

"Canine" is a formal term referring to the dog family, while "doggy" is an informal, often affectionate term for a dog. Using "doggy" in formal context may be inappropriate.