Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Blubber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿณ
Add to dictionary

blubber

[หˆblสŒbษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal fat

The layer of fat under the skin of whales and other marine mammals, used to insulate and store energy.

Examples of usage

  • The blubber of a whale helps to keep it warm in cold water.
  • Polar bears rely on blubber as a food source.
Context #2 | Verb

cry

To cry noisily and uncontrollably.

Examples of usage

  • The child began to blubber after falling off the swing.
  • She blubbered with relief when she heard the good news.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Marine Biology

  • Whales use blubber not only for warmth but also as energy storage during long migrations without food.
  • Some species of seals and walruses have thicker blubber compared to whales, showcasing adaptation to their environments.

Cultural References

  • 'Blubber' can refer to crying heavily, often used in childrenโ€™s literature to emphasize a characterโ€™s emotional state.
  • The book 'Blubber' by Judy Blume explores themes of bullying and compassion, using the term in a non-literal sense to convey feelings.

Food Science

  • In culinary terms, blubber can be rendered into oil, which has been historically used in cooking and lighting.
  • Certain indigenous cultures have utilized whale blubber as a traditional food source, high in calories and nutrients.

Environment

  • Climate change affects marine animals by altering their habitats, potentially impacting their fat deposits over time.
  • Studies suggest that the composition of blubber can reveal important information about an animalโ€™s health and the state of ocean ecosystems.

Origin of 'blubber'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'blubber' comes from the Middle English term 'blobberen,' which means to bubble up, likely linked to its fatty texture.
  • In Old English, 'blubber' might have been related to the sound of bubbling water when something thick and heavy is submerged.

The word 'blubber' originated from the Middle English word 'bluberen', which means to cry. Over time, the meaning has evolved to include the fatty layer found on marine animals. The use of 'blubber' to describe crying dates back to the 14th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,848, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.