horn
UK: hɔːn | US: hɔːrn
n. a hard, pointed, often curved part that grows from the head of some animals
n. a musical instrument made from or shaped like an animal's horn
n. a device that makes a loud warning sound (e.g., car horn)
The word "horn" originates from Old English horn, derived from Proto-Germanic hurną, meaning "horn of an animal" or "object made from horn." This term traces back to Proto-Indo-European ḱer- ("top of the head, horn"), reflecting its ancient association with animal anatomy. Over time, "horn" expanded semantically to include musical instruments and warning devices, retaining its core idea of a hard, projecting object.
The bull lowered its head and charged, its sharp horns aimed forward.
She played a traditional melody on the alpine horn.
The driver honked the horn to alert the pedestrians.
Ancient cups were sometimes crafted from buffalo horn.
The rhinoceros uses its horn for defense and dominance.