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Dewlap: meaning, definitions and examples

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dewlap

 

[ หˆdjuหlรฆp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น gola

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคฐเฅเคฆเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Halsfalte

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lipatan leher

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะบั–ั€ัะฝะฐ ัะบะปะฐะดะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ faล‚da szyjna

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ฆ–ใฎใ—ใ‚

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gorge

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ papada

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dudak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ชฉ ์ฃผ๋ฆ„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌู„ุฏ ุงู„ุนู†ู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ krk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ krk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ขˆ้ƒจ่คถ็šฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ koลพa na vratu

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hรกlsfelling

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะพะนั‹ะฝ ั‚ะตั€ั–ัั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒฆแƒ แƒฃแƒ‘แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ boyun dษ™risi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ papa

Word origin

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.