Definition of horn

hornnoun

sừng (trâu, bò...)

/hɔːn/

Definition of undefined

The word "horn" has a fascinating origin. The term comes from Old English "horn", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*hurniz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*ker-" meaning "to grow" or "to strengthen". Initially, the word referred to the curved, pronged structure of an animal's head, such as a ram's or cow's horn. Over time, the term expanded to describe the sound-producing parts of certain instruments, like trumpets, horns, and conch shells. In the Middle English period (circa 1100-1500), the word "horn" began to take on figurative meanings, referring to certain natural features like mountains, ridges, or even small outcroppings of rock. By the 16th century, the term was also used to describe the sun or moon's horns, such as during an eclipse. From its humble beginnings as a descriptive term for animal limbs, the word "horn" has evolved into a rich tapestry of meanings, reflecting human imagination, artistic expression, and scientific observation.

namespace

a hard pointed part that grows, usually in pairs, on the heads of some animals, such as sheep and cows. Horns are often curved.

một phần nhọn cứng mọc, thường thành cặp, trên đầu của một số loài động vật, chẳng hạn như cừu và bò. Sừng thường cong.

Example:
  • a large bull with curved horns

    một con bò đực lớn có sừng cong

the hard substance of which animal horns are made

chất cứng dùng để làm sừng động vật

Example:
  • ornaments made of rhino horn

    đồ trang trí làm từ sừng tê giác

a device in a vehicle for making a loud sound as a warning or signal

một thiết bị trong xe để tạo ra âm thanh lớn như một cảnh báo hoặc tín hiệu

Example:
  • to honk your car horn

    bấm còi xe của bạn

  • to sound/toot your horn

    bấm còi/tông còi

  • Behind him, a horn blared.

    Phía sau có tiếng còi vang lên.

Extra examples:
  • He gave a furious blast on his horn.

    Anh ta thổi một hồi kèn thật dữ dội.

  • Impatient horn blasts began to sound behind him.

    Những tiếng còi thiếu kiên nhẫn bắt đầu vang lên phía sau anh.

  • Passing motorists honked their horns.

    Những người lái xe đi ngang qua bấm còi.

  • She flashed her lights and honked her horn at the car in front.

    Cô ấy nháy đèn và bấm còi với chiếc xe phía trước.

Related words and phrases

a simple musical instrument that consists of a curved metal tube that you blow into

một nhạc cụ đơn giản bao gồm một ống kim loại cong mà bạn thổi vào

Example:
  • a hunting horn

    một chiếc sừng săn bắn

a brass musical instrument that consists of a long tube curled around in a circle with a wide opening at the end

một nhạc cụ bằng đồng bao gồm một ống dài cuộn tròn thành một vòng tròn có lỗ mở rộng ở cuối

Example:
  • a horn concerto

    một bản hòa tấu kèn

Related words and phrases

Related words and phrases

Idioms

blow/toot your own horn
(informal)to praise your own abilities and achievements
draw/pull your horns in
to start being more careful in your behaviour, especially by spending less money than before
  • Small businesses have had to pull their horns in during the recession.
    • lock horns (with somebody) (over something)
    to get involved in an argument with somebody
  • The company has locked horns with the unions over proposed pay cuts.
    • on the horns of a dilemma
    in a situation in which you have to make a choice between things that are equally unpleasant
  • The medical profession’s eagerness for scientific advance had impaled it on the horns of a dilemma, forcing an unnatural choice between science and morality.
  • The dire economic situation had placed the prime minister on the horns of a dilemma.
    • take the bull by the horns
    to face a difficult or dangerous situation directly and with courage
  • Nora decided to take the bull by the horns and organize things for herself.