Horn: Difference between revisions

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'''Antlers''' are not horn, being [[bone]], and shed annually, whereas horns are permanent structures.
'''Antlers''' are not horn, being [[bone]], and shed annually, whereas horns are permanent structures.


Once separated from their [[animal]], horns are capable of being used (by a process of softening and remoulding) for a variety of purposes -- including as [[knife]] handles, as [[cutlery]], as [[lens]]es (in, for example, early [[spectacles]]), or as small semi-light-permeable [[window]]s.
Once separated from their [[animal]], horns are capable of being used (by a process of softening and remoulding) for a variety of purposes -- including as [[knife]] [[handle]]s, as [[cutlery]], as [[lens]]es (in, for example, early [[spectacles]]), or as small semi-light-permeable [[window]]s.


Horns from bovid ''(cow-like)'' creatures have also long been adapted for use as [[musical instrument]]s, which later developed into the [[cornet]], and as drinking vessels.
Horns from bovid ''(cow-like)'' creatures have also long been adapted for use as [[musical instrument]]s, which later developed into the [[cornet]], and as [[drinking vessel]]s.


''Note:'' The "horns" of the [[rhinocerous]] are actually made of compacted hair, not true horn.
''Note:'' The "horns" of the [[rhinocerous]] are actually made of compacted hair, not true horn.

Revision as of 09:47, 18 March 2006

Horn is a hollow pointed projection of the skin (generally on the head). Its main component is the protein keratin.

Antlers are not horn, being bone, and shed annually, whereas horns are permanent structures.

Once separated from their animal, horns are capable of being used (by a process of softening and remoulding) for a variety of purposes -- including as knife handles, as cutlery, as lenses (in, for example, early spectacles), or as small semi-light-permeable windows.

Horns from bovid (cow-like) creatures have also long been adapted for use as musical instruments, which later developed into the cornet, and as drinking vessels.

Note: The "horns" of the rhinocerous are actually made of compacted hair, not true horn.