the word "toothy" is a transparent english formation, directly combining the ancient noun "tooth" with the productive adjectival suffix "-y". the root "tooth" traces back to proto-germanic "tanþs", itself from proto-indo-european "h₃dónts", which is derived from the root "h₃ed-" meaning "to eat", highlighting the tooth's primary function. the suffix "-y", originating from old english "-ig", is a common germanic derivational tool for creating descriptive adjectives. thus, the literal construction "having teeth" or "full of teeth" evolved seamlessly into its modern meanings, describing either a physical prominence of teeth or any jagged, tooth-like appearance.

Structure: tooth (noun) + y (adjective-forming suffix) - tooth: from old english "tōþ", of germanic origin; related to dutch "tand" and german "zahn". functions as the core noun root denoting a hard, bony structure in the jaws. - y: a native english suffix of germanic origin, used to form adjectives from nouns, meaning "characterized by; full of; having the quality of".