Dewlap: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆ
dewlap
[ หdjuหlรฆp ]
animal anatomy
A dewlap is a fold of loose skin that hangs beneath the throat of certain animals, particularly reptiles and some mammals. It can serve various purposes, such as thermoregulation, communication, or attracting mates. In lizards, for example, a dewlap may be expanded to display dominance or attract females during mating rituals. Some breeds of domestic cattle also possess pronounced dewlaps, which can indicate health and breed characteristics.
Synonyms
skin fold, throat flap.
Examples of usage
- The male lizard puffed out its dewlap to attract a mate.
- In hot weather, the cow's dewlap helped regulate its body temperature.
- The colorful dewlap of the iguana made it stand out in the foliage.
Translations
Translations of the word "dewlap" in other languages:
๐ต๐น gola
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฐเฅเคฆเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Halsfalte
๐ฎ๐ฉ lipatan leher
๐บ๐ฆ ัะบัััะฝะฐ ัะบะปะฐะดะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ faลda szyjna
๐ฏ๐ต ้ฆใฎใใ
๐ซ๐ท gorge
๐ช๐ธ papada
๐น๐ท dudak
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ชฉ ์ฃผ๋ฆ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฌูุฏ ุงูุนูู
๐จ๐ฟ krk
๐ธ๐ฐ krk
๐จ๐ณ ้ข้จ่คถ็ฑ
๐ธ๐ฎ koลพa na vratu
๐ฎ๐ธ hรกlsfelling
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะพะนัะฝ ัะตัััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฆแ แฃแแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ boyun dษrisi
๐ฒ๐ฝ papa
Etymology
The term 'dewlap' originates from the combination of the Middle English word 'dew' and 'lap'. The word 'dew' comes from the Old English 'deaw', referring to moisture that collects on surfaces during the night. 'Lap' is derived from the Old Norse word 'lappa', meaning a flap or loose hanging piece. Thus, 'dewlap' can be understood as a 'flap of skin that may be moist or damp'. This anatomical feature evolved as a useful adaptation for many species, allowing them to thrive in their respective environments, whether for attracting mates, regulating temperature, or asserting dominance. Its appearance and function can vary greatly among species, highlighting the diversity of evolutionary adaptations in the animal kingdom.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #37,073, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
- ...
- 37070 dingle
- 37071 whooshed
- 37072 revealingly
- 37073 dewlap
- 37074 concatenate
- 37075 portentously
- 37076 shackling
- ...