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Hammerhead: meaning, definitions and examples

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hammerhead

 

[ ˈhæmərhɛd ]

Noun
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

Translations of the word "hammerhead" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tubarão-martelo

🇮🇳 हैमरहेड

🇩🇪 Hammerhai

🇮🇩 hiu martil

🇺🇦 молотоголов

🇵🇱 młotogłów

🇯🇵 ハンマーヘッドシャーク

🇫🇷 requin marteau

🇪🇸 tiburón martillo

🇹🇷 çekiç başlı köpekbalığı

🇰🇷 망치상어

🇸🇦 قرش المطرقة

🇨🇿 žralok kladivoun

🇸🇰 kladivoun

🇨🇳 锤头鲨

🇸🇮 kladivonosec

🇮🇸 hamarhaumur

🇰🇿 балға бас акулалары

🇬🇪 ხამერის აქულა

🇦🇿 döngə başlı kök balığı

🇲🇽 tiburón martillo

Etymology

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.