tusk, fang, tusk radical (no. 92)
牙 centers on a sharp, pointed tooth that protrudes: a tusk or fang. The radical sense is the same tusk shape used as a component in other characters.
牙 is a pictograph of an animal's tusk or fang, with the modern form preserving the curved, pointed shape.
The shape of 牙 looks like a curved tusk with a sharp point at the top. Picture an elephant's tusk or a wolf's fang.
For ガ, imagine a fierce tiger baring its fangs with a growl: 'Grrr!' The growl cues ガ while the fangs are on display.
tusk; fang
ivory
stronghold (esp. of an enemy or opponent); inner citadel; bastion
poison fang
teeth
Baki the Grappler (manga and media franchise)
tooth of Buddha recovered from his cremated ashes
ivory-like plastic (used for mahjong tiles, shogi pieces, etc.)
taking no notice of; paying no attention to
dentation
dental disease
orthodontia
odontoma
to fall victim (to); to get into the clutches (of)
claws and fangs; claws and tusks
tooth
to bare one's fangs; to snarl (at)
to lie in wait; to wait for an opportunity to hurt someone; to sharpen one's fangs
brokerage; mediation; fencing (of stolen goods)
broker; brokerage; brokerage fee