sharktoothed

Sharktoothed is an adjective used to describe something bearing teeth or tooth-like projections that resemble those of sharks. The term is most often encountered in discussions of dentition and morphology, where it conveys a general resemblance to the triangular, blade-like, and sometimes serrated crowns found in many shark teeth.

In paleontology and comparative anatomy, sharktoothed teeth or dentition refer to tooth shapes that are sharp, pointed, and serrated, adapted for cutting or grasping prey. The descriptor helps researchers communicate quickly about functional similarities between fossil teeth and modern shark teeth, even when the exact taxonomic identity of the wearer is uncertain. The term can also be applied more broadly to non-dental features with serrated or tooth-like margins that evoke the appearance of shark dentition.

Etymology and usage notes: sharktoothed combines shark with toothed to form a descriptive, non-technical label. It does not designate a taxonomic group or a formal classification. In strict scientific writing, authors typically supplement the term with specific measurements, crown morphology, and comparative terminology to provide precise details about dentition.

See also: shark tooth, dentition, serration, dentate.