Dolphin: meaning, definitions and examples

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dolphin

 

[หˆdษ’l.fษชn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

marine animal

A dolphin is a highly intelligent marine mammal known for its playful behavior and social nature. Dolphins belong to the family Delphinidae and are found in oceans and rivers around the world. They are recognized for their distinctive curved dorsal fin and often engage in acrobatic displays above water.

Synonyms

cetacean, marine mammal, playful creature.

Examples of usage

  • The dolphin leaped out of the water.
  • A pod of dolphins swam alongside the boat.
  • Many people enjoy watching dolphins at aquariums.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'dolphin' comes from the Greek 'delphis', which means 'womb.' This relates to their live births, unlike many fish.
  • In Latin, the term 'delphinus' also refers to the species and reflects their connection to the sea.
  • Old versions of the word reveal the importance of these creatures in various cultures, focusing on their intelligence.

Science

  • Dolphins are part of the cetacean family, which includes whales and porpoises. They are known for their social behavior.
  • They have an echolocation ability, allowing them to navigate and hunt for food by sending out sound waves.
  • Some species can swim up to 60 km/h (37 mph), showing their agility and speed in the water.

Culture

  • Dolphins have been depicted in art and folklore across the globe, often symbolizing grace and intelligence.
  • They appear in numerous movies and documentaries, most famously in 'Flipper,' which showcased their playful nature.
  • Many cultures see dolphins as sacred animals, believing they guide souls to the afterlife.

Psychology

  • Interactions with dolphins have been shown to reduce stress and improve mood in humans, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
  • Research suggests that they have complex social structures and can communicate through a series of clicks and whistles.
  • Dolphins display behavior akin to empathy, helping injured or sick companions, which is rare in the animal kingdom.

Conservation

  • Due to habitat loss and pollution, some dolphin species are endangered, prompting conservation efforts worldwide.
  • Marine protected areas are being established to safeguard their environments and promote healthy ecosystems.
  • Education and awareness programs aim to encourage respect and protection for these intelligent creatures.

Translations

Translations of the word "dolphin" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น golfinho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเฅ‰เคฒเฅเคซเคผเคฟเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Delfin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ikan lumba-lumba

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะตะปัŒั„ั–ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ delfin

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚คใƒซใ‚ซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dauphin

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ delfรญn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yunus

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋Œ๊ณ ๋ž˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูˆู„ููŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ delfรญn

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ delfรญn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆตท่ฑš

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ delfin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ smรกfiskur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะพะปั„ะธะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ”แƒšแƒคแƒ˜แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ delfin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ delfรญn

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,889, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.