Humpback: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
humpback
[ หhสmp.bรฆk ]
marine biology
The humpback whale is a species of whale known for its distinctive body shape, long pectoral fins, and complex songs. These whales are known to migrate over long distances, often from feeding grounds in colder regions to breeding grounds in warmer waters. Humpbacks can grow up to 16 meters in length and are easily recognizable due to their knobbly heads and large dorsal fins. They are also famous for their acrobatic behaviors, such as breaching and tail-slapping, which are often observed during whale watching tours.
Synonyms
Megaptera novaeangliae, whale.
Examples of usage
- We saw a humpback whale breaching off the coast.
- The humpback is known for its impressive songs.
- During migration, humpbacks can travel thousands of miles.
Translations
Translations of the word "humpback" in other languages:
๐ต๐น cachalote
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคญเคกเคผเคพ เคนเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Buckelwal
๐ฎ๐ฉ punggung bongkok
๐บ๐ฆ ะณะพัะฑะฐัะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ garb
๐ฏ๐ต ใใถ้ฏจ (ใใถใใใ)
๐ซ๐ท bosse
๐ช๐ธ jorobado
๐น๐ท hรถrgรผรงlรผ
๐ฐ๐ท ํน๋ฑ๊ณ ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุญุฏุจุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ hrbรกฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ hrbรกฤ
๐จ๐ณ ้ฉผ่็
๐ธ๐ฎ grbav
๐ฎ๐ธ hryggir
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะตะฑัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแฎแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qambur
๐ฒ๐ฝ jorobado
Etymology
The term 'humpback' comes from the Old English word 'humpa', which means 'a lump or bump', and 'back', referring to the characteristic hump or curvature of the whale's back. The humpback whale was first described scientifically in the 18th century, with the name Megaptera novaeangliae given by the Swedish botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus. This name is derived from the Greek words 'mega' meaning 'large' and 'ptera' meaning 'wing', which refers to the whale's long pectoral fins. Humpback whales have been a part of maritime culture for centuries, often featured in folklore and whaling history. The population of humpback whales faced drastic declines due to commercial whaling in the 20th century, but conservation efforts have led to significant recoveries in many regions.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #28,986, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 28983 squeamish
- 28984 ruder
- 28985 blockbuster
- 28986 humpback
- 28987 calender
- 28988 physiography
- 28989 quizzically
- ...