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Hippo: meaning, definitions and examples

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hippo

 

[ หˆhษชpษ™สŠ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal species

The hippopotamus, commonly referred to as a 'hippo', is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. They are known for their massive size, with adults weighing between 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, and their unique aquatic lifestyle, spending much of their time in rivers and lakes. Hippos have barrel-shaped bodies and are characterized by their large mouths, which can open up to 150 degrees. Despite their stocky profile, they can run surprisingly fast on land.

Synonyms

hippopotamus, river horse.

Examples of usage

  • The hippo basked in the sun near the riverbank.
  • We saw a hippopotamus swimming while on safari.
  • The zoo has a baby hippo that visitors adore.
  • Hippos are known to be quite territorial in water.

Translations

Translations of the word "hippo" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น hipopรณtamo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคนเคฟเคชเฅเคชเฅ‹

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Flusspferd

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kuda nil

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั–ะฟะพะฟะพั‚ะฐะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ hipopotam

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ซใƒ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hippopotame

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hipopรณtamo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hipopotam

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ•˜๋งˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูุฑุณ ุงู„ู†ู‡ุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hroch

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hroch

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฒณ้ฉฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ hipopotam

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ flรณรฐhestur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณะธะฟะพะฟะพั‚ะฐะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฐแƒ˜แƒžแƒแƒžแƒแƒขแƒแƒ›แƒฃแƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hipopotam

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hipopรณtamo

Etymology

The word 'hippopotamus' comes from the ancient Greek words 'hippos' meaning 'horse' and 'potamos' meaning 'river'. This name was used due to the animal's size and its semi-aquatic nature, likening it to a 'river horse'. The term was adopted into Latin before entering English. Hippos have been a significant part of African culture and mythology, often symbolizing strength and power. Historically, they were also hunted for their skin and meat, leading to a decline in their populations. Today, they are recognized as vulnerable, facing threats from habitat loss and poaching.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,268 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.