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Hippopotamus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hippopotamus

[หŒhษชpษ™หˆpษ’tษ™mษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal species

The hippopotamus is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, known for its massive size, barrel-shaped body, and large mouth. They are semi-aquatic and spend much of their time in water to keep their bodies cool. Hippopotamuses are highly social animals, often found in groups called pods or bloats.

Synonyms

hippo, river horse.

Examples of usage

  • The hippopotamus spends hours submerged in the river.
  • Did you know that the hippopotamus's skin secretes a natural sunscreen?
  • The zoo has a new baby hippopotamus on display.
  • Hippopotamuses can be very aggressive if they feel threatened.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Habitat

  • Hippopotamuses are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, often living in rivers and lakes.
  • Though they are massive and can weigh as much as a car, they are surprisingly good swimmers.
  • They can hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes while they swim.

Behavior

  • Despite their bulky appearance, hippos can run surprisingly fast on land, reaching speeds of up to 19 miles per hour.
  • They are known for being territorial and can be quite aggressive, especially when protecting their young.
  • They spend much of the daytime submerged to keep cool, surfacing at night to feed on grass.

Conservation

  • Today, hippos are classified as vulnerable, primarily due to habitat loss and poaching for their ivory tusks.
  • Conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitats and ensure their survival in the wild.
  • Their population is increasingly threatened by climate change affecting their aquatic environments.

Pop Culture

  • Hippos have appeared in various cartoons and children's books, often portrayed as friendly and comical characters.
  • In the classic Disney movie 'Fantasia', a hippo is famously featured in a ballet performance.
  • They have become internet sensations through videos showcasing their quirky behavior, gaining popularity as amusing animals.

Origin of 'hippopotamus'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Greek words 'hippos' meaning horse and 'potamos' meaning river, together meaning 'river horse'.
  • In some languages, such as Swahili, it's called 'kiboko', which reflects its powerful nature.
  • Historically, they were often associated with water and strength, as they spend much of their lives submerged.

The word 'hippopotamus' comes from the Ancient Greek 'hippopotamos', which means 'river horse'. This term is a combination of 'hippos' (แผตฯ€ฯ€ฮฟฯ‚), meaning 'horse', and 'potamos' (ฯ€ฮฟฯ„ฮฑฮผฯŒฯ‚), meaning 'river'. The Greeks initially named the animal this way due to its large size and its habitat near rivers. The hippopotamus has been depicted in various forms throughout ancient history, often symbolizing strength and power. In ancient Egypt, hippos were revered and commonly featured in art, as they were both dangerous and magnificent creatures. Over time, this fascination with the hippopotamus continued, leading to further studies and artistic representations throughout various cultures.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,194, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.