Toothbrush: Definition, Types, and Proper Usage

Meaning 1：toothbrush (Toothbrush)

Toothbrush 🔊

/ˈtuːθbrʌʃ/

A small brush used to clean your teeth, often with toothpaste, to keep your mouth healthy and fresh.

toothbrush 🔊

➕

/ˈtuːθbrʌʃ/

A small brush with a handle and bristles used for cleaning teeth.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combination of 'tooth' (Old English tōþ) and 'brush' (from Old French broisse).

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a brush that is shaped to fit your teeth – tooth + brush = toothbrush.

📖 Example

Every night before bed, I make sure to use my toothbrush for two minutes to remove all the food particles. 🔊 Every night before bed, I make sure to use my toothbrush for two minutes to remove all the food particles.

🔗 Collocations

electric toothbrush – A toothbrush powered by electricity that vibrates or rotates to clean teeth.

toothbrush holder – A container or stand designed to store and organize toothbrushes.

toothbrush head – The bristled part of a toothbrush that is replaced regularly for hygiene.

🔄 Synonyms

dental brush (n.) – A brush used for dental care, often synonymous with toothbrush.

oral brush (n.) – A brush designed for cleaning the mouth, especially teeth.

teeth cleaner (n.) – A tool or device used to clean teeth, typically a toothbrush.

🌱 Derivatives

toothbrushing (n.) – The act of cleaning teeth with a toothbrush.

📖 Cultural Story

The modern toothbrush originated in China around 1498, with bristles from hog hair attached to bamboo or bone. It was later improved in Europe using horsehair.