Dromedary: meaning, definitions and examples

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dromedary

 

[หˆdrษ’mษ™d(ษ™)ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

desert animal

A dromedary is a one-humped camel native to the deserts of northern Africa and the Middle East. These animals are well-adapted to survive in arid environments and are known for their ability to travel long distances without water.

Synonyms

Arabian camel, one-humped camel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dromedary

Often used in scientific or formal contexts when referring to the species of camel with a single hump. It is preferred in zoological texts and discussions.

  • The dromedary is well-adapted to desert environments.
  • Dromedaries are commonly used as pack animals in arid regions.
one-humped camel

Best used in casual conversation or when explaining the camel species to children or individuals unfamiliar with scientific terminology. It is descriptive and easy to understand.

  • A one-humped camel can go for several days without water.
  • The one-humped camel is a common sight in desert caravans.
Arabian camel

Commonly used in general conversation and educational contexts to specify the type of camel originating from the Arabian Peninsula. It is less formal than 'dromedary' but still precise.

  • The Arabian camel is known for its endurance in harsh desert conditions.
  • In many Middle Eastern cultures, the Arabian camel is a symbol of perseverance.

Examples of usage

  • The dromedary is often used as a pack animal by nomadic tribes.
  • The dromedary's hump stores fat, which can be used as a source of energy when food and water are scarce.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'dromedary' comes from the Greek 'dromas', meaning 'running', reflecting its speed and agility.
  • In Arabic, itโ€™s known as 'jamal', emphasizing its importance in desert cultures.
  • The scientific name for the dromedary is 'Camelus dromedarius', which categorizes it within the camel family.

Geography

  • Dromedaries are primarily found in arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East, where their adaptations help them survive.
  • They can tolerate temperatures up to 104ยฐF (40ยฐC) and can lose up to 25% of their body weight without any serious health effects.
  • These camels are also known as 'Arabian camels' and play a vital role in many desert cultures.

Cultural Significance

  • In many Middle Eastern cultures, dromedaries are symbols of wealth and transport, often featured in traditional tales.
  • They are central to the Bedouin lifestyle, providing transportation, milk, and meat.
  • Dromedaries have been used in racing events, showcasing their speed and agility, and captivating audiences worldwide.

Diet and Adaptation

  • Dromedaries can eat thorny plants that other animals cannot, highlighting their unique digestive system.
  • They store fat in their hump, which serves as an energy reserve during long journeys without food.
  • Despite their arid habitat, they need very little water and can drink up to 40 gallons in one go when they are thirsty.

Conservation Status

  • While the dromedary is not currently endangered, its domestic population is crucial to many communities in the desert.
  • With the rise of modern transportation, traditional uses of dromedaries are becoming less common, impacting their role in some cultures.
  • Efforts are underway in some areas to maintain the breed and educate new generations about their importance and care.

Translations

Translations of the word "dromedary" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น dromedรกrio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเฅเคฐเฅ‹เคฎเฅ‡เคกเคฐเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Dromedar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dromedary

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดั€ะพะผะตะดะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dromader

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ’ใƒˆใ‚ณใƒ–ใƒฉใ‚ฏใƒ€

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dromadaire

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ dromedario

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท deve

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋“œ๋กœ๋ฉ”๋‹ค๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุฌู…ู„ ุงู„ุนุฑุจูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dromedรกr

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dromedรกr

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ•ๅณฐ้ช†้ฉผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dromedar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ dromedari

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚าฏะนะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ แƒแƒ›แƒ”แƒ“แƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dromedar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ dromedario

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,752 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.