Humped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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humped
[hʌmpt ]
Definition
physical appearance
The term 'humped' describes an object or being that has a rounded or protruding shape, resembling a hump. This often refers to creatures like camels which have one or two humps.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The humped camel trotted through the desert.
- She noticed the humped silhouette of a mountain in the distance.
- The statue had a humped back, giving it a unique look.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, 'humped' can describe an animal's physical adaptations, like the hump of a camel, which stores fat.
- Certain fish use 'humped' to describe their body type, which helps them adapt to living in coral reefs.
- Humping behavior is observed in some mammals during mating rituals or as a display of dominance.
Culture
- In literature, characters may be described as 'humped' to emphasize their struggle or burdens they carry.
- Humped back is a term often used in art to describe certain poses, like in classical sculptures.
- The term is sometimes referenced in folklore to describe fantastical creatures with exaggerated features.
Sports
- In sports, the term 'humped' can describe the movement in certain athletic events, particularly in jumping disciplines.
- Some forms of wrestling utilize positions referred to as 'humps' to gain an advantage over opponents.
- Adventure sports, like rock climbing, may describe challenging routes as having humped surfaces.
Slang
- In modern slang, 'hump' can sometimes be a euphemism for sexual activity, particularly in humorous contexts.
- The phrase 'hump day' refers to Wednesday, suggesting that getting over the midpoint of the week is akin to getting over a hump.
- Some video games use the term in playful ways to describe certain actions of characters, like jumping or bouncing.
Origin of 'humped'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English 'humpen,' meaning to raise or to lift.
- Old English 'humpa' referred to a rounded mass or protuberance – similar to its modern sense.
- The word has historical connections to many cultures, often used to describe the features of animals.
The word 'humped' originates from the Old English 'humppa', which is related to the Middle Dutch 'hump', meaning a rounded lump or a protuberance. Historically, it has been used to describe various physical forms that are elevated or rounded, particularly in animals. Over centuries, the term has remained in the English vocabulary, evolving in usage and context, often associated with camels or similar creatures that display a noticeable hump. The adaptation of the term in modern English retains its emphasis on the visual aspect of a raised, rounded shape, making it applicable in both animal anatomy and various descriptive contexts.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #28,275, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
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- 28272 moron
- 28273 reallocated
- 28274 escapades
- 28275 humped
- 28276 embossing
- 28277 agglomerate
- 28278 botulism
- ...