Word Meaning
दंदाँ-नुमा
dandān-numā
hiadjective
Meaning
Showing teeth; revealing teeth in a broad smile, laugh, or sneer.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning 'tooth-showing', it describes a broad laugh, grin, or sneer in which the teeth are laid bare. In the couplet, 'khanda-e-dandaan-numa' signifies the dawn of the homeland casting a derisive, wide grin to reproach the poet's idleness or exile. It suggests an overt, mocking laughter rather than a subtle, gentle smile.
Etymology
Persian: 'dandān' (tooth/teeth) + 'numā' (present stem of 'numūdan', meaning to show or display).
Usage
In classical ghazal poetry, it is most often compounded with 'khanda' (laughter) to portray bitter mockery or an unrestrained, broad laugh.
Examples
A tooth-revealing mocking laugh
The tooth-bared grin of dawn
Synonyms
ख़ंदाँदाँत-दिखाऊतहक्कुमाना
Related Words
दंदाँख़ंदानुमा