Broadmouthed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🐸
Add to dictionary

broadmouthed

[ˈbrɔːdˌmaʊθd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical description

Broadmouthed refers to having a wide or broad mouth. This term can describe certain animal species, especially those that thrive in aquatic environments, where a broad mouth can aid in feeding.

Synonyms

large-mouthed, spacious-mouthed, wide-mouthed.

Examples of usage

  • The broadmouthed bass is known for its voracious appetite.
  • Broadmouthed frogs often use their wide mouths to capture prey.
  • In some species of fish, a broadmouthed design is advantageous for feeding.
  • The broadmouthed contour of the device allows for better airflow.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Creatures like the broadmouthed catfish are designed to trap and consume large amounts of food in one go, essential for survival.
  • Many species with broad mouths use them to create suction, allowing them to ingest prey or water effectively.
  • In ecology, mouth dimensions can significantly influence feeding strategies and the types of habitats creatures are found in.

Pop Culture

  • Broadmouthed characters often symbolize boldness and social freedom in animations and cartoons.
  • In various films, exaggerated broadmouthed characters are portrayed as funny, emphasizing their ability to express emotions easily.
  • The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe people who speak openly and freely, often seen in comedic or dramatic contexts.

Communication

  • The concept is not only physical; metaphorically, it can describe individuals who are very expressive and loud in conversations.
  • In verbal communication, people with a 'broad mouth' can engage larger audiences with their clear and emphatic speaking styles.
  • Broadmouthed communication is often praised in public speaking and performance arts for its ability to resonate with audiences.

Art & Literature

  • Art often depicts broadmouthed creatures as symbols of strength or vitality, representing the abundance of life.
  • Literature may use broadmouthed characters to symbolize honesty, as they seem less likely to hide their feelings or intentions.
  • Fables and tales featuring talking animals with broad mouths sometimes serve to teach lessons about communication and expression.

Origin of 'broadmouthed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'broad' meaning wide, and 'mouthed', which refers to the opening or mouth of an object or creature.
  • Its usage in English likely emerged in the 19th century, reflecting observations of animal behavior and anatomy.
  • Similar expressions can be found in other languages, often describing physical features of creatures that are adapted to specific environments.

The term 'broadmouthed' is formed from the combination of the adjective 'broad' and the noun 'mouth'. 'Broad' originates from Old English 'brād', meaning wide or expansive, which can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *braidis and Proto-Indo-European *breadh- meaning 'wide' or 'spacious'. The noun 'mouth' comes from Old English 'muð', referring to the opening in the face used for eating and speaking. Over time, the notion of a 'broad mouth' has been applied in various contexts, including anatomy and zoology, to denote species or objects that feature a significantly wide opening. The compound term 'broadmouthed' likely emerged in the 19th century as zoologists began to classify and describe various species that exhibited this specific physical trait.