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Hammerhead Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hammerhead

[ˈhæmərhɛd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

marine biology

The hammerhead is a type of shark known for its distinctive head shape, which resembles a hammer. This unique head structure provides the hammerhead with enhanced sensory capabilities, allowing it to detect electrical signals emitted by prey in the water. Hammerheads are typically found in warmer waters and can grow to significant sizes, with some species reaching lengths of over 10 feet. There are several species of hammerhead sharks, including the great hammerhead and the smooth hammerhead, each exhibiting different behaviors and habitats.

Synonyms

carcarhinus, shark.

Examples of usage

  • The great hammerhead is the largest of its species.
  • Hammerhead sharks are known for their schooling behavior.
  • Divers are often thrilled to encounter hammerhead sharks in the wild.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Hammerhead sharks have a unique structure called a 'cephalofoil' which enhances their sight and ability to hunt.
  • There are nine known species of hammerhead sharks, including the great hammerhead, which is the largest, reaching lengths of over 20 feet.
  • Hammerheads often school together in groups, which is quite unusual for sharks and helps them protect against predators.

Ecology

  • These sharks play an important role in the marine ecosystem as they help maintain the balance by controlling prey populations.
  • Their diet consists mainly of fish, including stingrays, which they can hunt due to their keen sense of smell.

Conservation

  • Hammerhead species are threatened by overfishing and habitat loss, making conservation efforts vital for their survival.
  • Shark finning, where the fin is removed for soup, significantly threatens some hammerhead populations, leading to global efforts for protection.

Pop Culture

  • Hammerhead sharks have appeared in various movies and documentaries, often depicted as fierce ocean predators.
  • In gaming, hammerhead sharks are sometimes featured as characters due to their unique and intimidating appearance.

Origin of 'hammerhead'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'hammerhead' comes from the distinctive shape of its head, resembling a hammer used in construction.
  • The scientific name for the common hammerhead is 'Sphyrna', derived from Greek, meaning 'spoon' or 'flattened', pointing to its head shape.

The term 'hammerhead' derives from the distinct shape of the shark's head, which resembles a hammer. The name is a compound of the words 'hammer' and 'head,' and first appeared in the English language in the late 19th century as zoologists began to study these remarkable creatures more closely. The hammerhead shark has captivated both scientists and the public due to its unique morphology and behavior. Their evolutionary history dates back several million years, and they belong to the family Sphyrnidae. Despite their fearsome reputation, hammerhead sharks are often misunderstood and are crucial to their marine ecosystems as apex predators.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,026, 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.