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Hump Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hump

[hʌmp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal anatomy

A rounded protuberance found on the back of a camel or other animal, typically composed of fat.

Synonyms

bump, lump, protuberance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hump

Often refers to a raised part on the back of animals like camels or a slight elevation on a surface. Can also be used informally to describe a difficult period or task.

  • The camel stored fat in its hump for long journeys through the desert.
  • We need to get over this mid-week hump to finish the project.
bump

Describes a minor raised area on a surface, often resulting from a minor collision or impact. Can also refer to hitting something gently.

  • There was a bump on the road that made the car jump.
  • She felt a bump on her head after she hit it on the shelf.
lump

Refers to a compact mass, often irregular in shape, which can form in substances or can be felt under the skin. Can also mean a shapeless or heavy mass.

  • She found a lump in the dough that needed to be smoothed out.
  • The doctor examined the lump on his neck to ensure it wasn't serious.
protuberance

A formal term for something that sticks out from a surface, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The protuberance on the bone was clearly visible in the X-ray.
  • The plant had a noticeable protuberance where the new leaf was forming.

Examples of usage

  • The camel's hump stores fat to sustain it through long periods without food.
  • The hump on the bison's back is a distinctive feature of the species.
Context #2 | Noun

physical feature

A rounded raised area or lump on a surface or part of the body.

Synonyms

bump, lump, protuberance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hump

Commonly used to describe a rounded raised area on the back of an animal, like a camel, or to refer to a small hill or a raised area on a road or ground.

  • The camel's hump stores fat.
  • We hiked over a small hump in the field.
bump

Often used to describe a small raised area on a surface caused by impact or irregularity. It is also used colloquially to refer to a minor collision.

  • I felt a bump under the carpet.
  • There was a bump when the car hit the pothole.
lump

Used to describe a compact mass of a substance, often irregularly shaped. In medical terms, it can refer to a swelling or growth under the skin.

  • She found a lump in her cereal.
  • He was worried about the lump on his arm.
protuberance

A formal term that refers to something that sticks out from a surface, usually larger or more pronounced than a bump.

  • The tree had a strange protuberance on its trunk.
  • A protuberance on the wall made it impossible to hang the picture flat.

Examples of usage

  • She felt a hump on the back of the chair.
  • He noticed a hump in the road ahead.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To carry something heavy, usually on the back.

Synonyms

carry, haul, transport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
haul

Use 'haul' when referring to pulling or dragging something heavy with effort, often over a longer distance. It can imply a more laborious task.

  • They had to haul the old sofa up three flights of stairs.
  • We need a truck to haul all this equipment to the venue.
carry

Use 'carry' when talking about moving items from one place to another by holding them, usually over a short distance.

  • I have to carry these books to the library.
  • Can you help me carry the groceries inside?
transport

Use 'transport' when referring to moving people or goods from one place to another, usually over a significant distance and often by a vehicle.

  • The company transports goods from the port to the warehouse.
  • Public buses transport thousands of passengers every day.

Examples of usage

  • She had to hump the groceries up the stairs.
  • The workers humped the heavy equipment across the field.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Zoology

  • Camels have humps that store fat, which they can use as food and energy during long desert travels.
  • Some species, like the dromedary, have one hump, while the Bactrian camel has two humps.

Cultural References

  • The phrase 'hump day' refers to Wednesday, the middle of the week, when people feel they're over the toughest part.
  • In music, songs like 'Hump de Bump' by Red Hot Chili Peppers playfully use the word in a fun context.

Geography

  • A 'hump' can also refer to a raised area on land, like a hill or mound, often seen in various landscapes.
  • The term is often used in describing terrain in hiking trails or maps, where a 'hump' indicates a steep rise.

Psychology

  • Metaphorically, 'humps' represent obstacles in life, where getting over a hump symbolizes overcoming a challenge.
  • In positive psychology, tackling your 'humps' can lead to personal growth and achievement.

Origin of 'hump'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hump' comes from the Old English 'humppa', which means 'to bend' or 'to swell'.
  • In Middle German, 'humpen' means 'to lift or push', connecting to the idea of a raised bump.

The word 'hump' originated in the early 18th century as a variant of the word 'hummock,' meaning a small hill or mound. Over time, it came to be associated with the rounded shape of a camel's back or a similar protrusion on other animals. The verb form of 'hump' likely developed from the physical action of carrying a heavy load over a hilly terrain, akin to the motion of a humpbacked animal.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,442, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.