Horn
/hɔrn/noun
A hard, pointed outgrowth on the heads of certain animals, made of keratin.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, horns were often linked to the divine, believed to channel mystical energies or symbolize strength and superiority in rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱer-
“to horn, to grow, or to project (as a horn does)”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κέρας (kéras)
“horn, antler; symbolizing strength and power”
Old English
Old English
horn
“horn; used for animal horns and as a metaphor for strength and protection”
Middle English
Middle English
horne
“a hard projection, used in various contexts including musical instruments and weapons”
Modern English
English
horn
“the hard pointed structure on animals; also a term for various objects resembling this shape”