Cayman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cayman
[หkeษชmษn ]
Definition
type of animal
A cayman is a reptile belonging to the family Alligatoridae, which includes alligators and caimans. They are primarily found in Central and South America, in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. Caymans are known for their robust bodies, long snouts, and powerful jaws, making them effective predators.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The cayman lurked beneath the water's surface.
- We saw several caymans during our trip to the Amazon.
- Caymans are often mistaken for alligators.
Translations
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Origin of 'cayman'
The word 'cayman' has its origins in the Spanish word 'caimรกn,' which itself comes from the Taino word 'cayman.' The Taino were an Arawakan-speaking people of the Caribbean. The term was likely used to refer to reptiles living in water. Over time, the name evolved into the various forms seen today, specifically referring to certain species of South American reptiles known as caimans. Caimans play an important ecological role in their aquatic environments, helping to maintain the balance in food chains. The use of 'cayman' in English can be traced back to the 16th century when European explorers began to document the wildlife in the New World.