noun
Antlers
noun
1
The branching, bony growths on the head of a deer, moose, or similar animal, usually shed and regrown each year.
"The stag lowered its antlers and pawed at the ground before charging."
"Hikers found a set of shed antlers on the forest trail in early spring."
How to Use Antlers
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe branching horn-like structures on the heads of deer and similar animals.
Common mistake
Antlers (deer, elk, moose) are shed and regrown yearly and are branched bone; horns (cattle, goats, sheep) are permanent and unbranched — the two words aren't interchangeable.
Easily confused with
horns
Common pairings
a rack of antlers
shed antlers
lock antlers
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The stag lowered its _____ and pawed at the ground before charging.
Etymology
From Old French antoillier, ultimately from Latin ante oculos, "before the eyes" — describing the part of the growth positioned in front of the animal's eyes.