tsuno

Tsuno is a Japanese word that primarily denotes a horn or antler, and more generally any horn‑like projection on an animal, creature, or object. In everyday usage, it appears in descriptions of animal anatomy, decorative motifs, or objects that protrude in a horned shape.

The term can be written in kanji as 角, which also carries meanings such as corner or angle. The horn sense arises from the shape’s resemblance to a protruding, curved edge. In compound words and phrases, tsuno forms part of descriptions of horns on cattle, goats, deer, and mythical beings, as well as horn-like embellishments on weapons, armor, architecture, and art.

In addition to its anatomical and decorative uses, tsuno may appear in place names or family names in Japan, reflecting historical associations with horned imagery, geographic features, or local fauna. The concept of tsuno is thus both a concrete biological term and a cultural motif common in Japanese language and design.

See also: Horn, Antler, 鹿角 (deer antler), 角 (kanji and other readings).