antler
UK: ˈæntlə | US: ˈæntlər
n. one of the branched horns on the head of an adult deer (typically male), usually shed and regrown annually
antler = ant<front> + ler<noun suffix>
- ant<front>: From Old French antoillier (later andouiller), possibly derived from Latin ante (before, in front). Refers to the forward-projecting position of the horns.
- ler<noun suffix>: A suffix of uncertain origin, possibly from Vulgar Latin -arium or Germanic influence, forming nouns.
Etymology Origin:
The word antler traces back to Old French, where it originally described the branched horns of deer. The ant- component reflects the horns' forward-facing growth, while -ler likely served as a noun-forming suffix. Over time, the term evolved in Middle English to specifically denote the deciduous horns of male deer, emphasizing their cyclical regrowth—a unique trait among mammals.
The stag rubbed its antlers against the tree to remove the velvet.
Hunters often prize large antlers as trophies.
During winter, deer shed their antlers to conserve energy.
The fossilized antler provided clues about ancient deer species.
Antlers are composed of bone and grow at an astonishing rate.