zahn

Zahn is a German noun meaning "tooth." It denotes a single tooth in anatomical terms and is used widely in dentistry and everyday speech. The plural form is Zähne. In everyday language and medical contexts, Zahn serves as the root in many compound words, such as Zahnarzt (dentist), Zahnmedizin (dentistry), Zahnpasta (toothpaste), Zahnbürste (toothbrush), Zahnfleisch (gum), Zahnwurzel (tooth root), Zahnstein (tartar), and Weisheitszahn (wisdom tooth).

Etymology and cognates: The word Zahn is of Germanic origin and has cognates in related West Germanic languages, including Dutch tand and English tooth. It traces back to Proto-Germanic roots associated with the concept of a tooth, and it has remained a stable term in modern German for centuries.

Usage and cultural context: As a family name, Zahn is of German origin and is borne by various individuals in different fields. In addition to its literal meaning, the term appears in medical and dental terminology, reflecting its central role in anatomy, oral health, and related professions.

See also: Tooth (cross-lamil), Dentistry, Dentistry-related terms in German.