horned

Horned is an adjective describing something that has horns or horn-like projections. In biology, it is commonly used for animals that bear horns, which are growths from the skull. In many species, such as cattle, goats, sheep, and antelopes, true horns have a bony core and are covered by a keratin sheath, growing throughout life. Some animals, including rhinoceroses, have horn-like keratinous projections that sit atop the skull but are not considered true horns by all definitions. The term is also applied to organisms or structures with horn-shaped features that are not attached to the skull.

The functions of horns vary by species. They may be used for defense, for combat between rivals, or for displays that influence mating success. Horn size and shape are often sexually dimorphic and adapt to ecological and social pressures, leading to a wide range of forms from curved crescents to straight spikes.

In culture and symbolism, horned figures appear in mythology, religion, and art. Horns can symbolize power, fertility, and wild nature in some traditions, while in others they are associated with malevolent beings. In Western heraldry, horned animals frequently appear as charges on coats of arms and emblems, conveying strength or nobility.

The term also appears in common names—such as horned lizards (Phrynosoma) and other horn-bearing creatures. The word derives from Old English horn, a root shared across related terms in many languages.