Horny Structure (Noun)
Meaning
Any rigid body structure composed primarily of keratin.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The rhino's horn is a classic example of a horny structure that serves as a defense mechanism.
- The horns of a bighorn sheep are made of a hard, keratin-based horny structure that grows throughout their lifetime.
- In some species of lizards, a horny structure on the back of the head is used for display purposes during courtship.
- The quill knobs on a bird's skeleton are the anchor points for the horny structure of the feathers.
- The hooves of a horse are made of a tough, protein-based horny structure that provides protection and support for the animal's weight.