Mammut Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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Mammut
[ˈmæməˌθʌt ]
Definition
animal species
The mammoth was a large, elephant-like mammal that roamed the Earth during the Ice Ages. Known for its long tusks and thick fur, it adapted to cold environments and inhabited regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia. Mammoths are now extinct, with the last populations disappearing roughly 4,000 years ago.
Synonyms
elephantid, prehistoric elephant.
Examples of usage
- Mammoths once walked the plains of North America.
- Scientists study mammoth fossils to understand prehistoric climates.
- The discovery of mammoth bones excited paleontologists.
Translations
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Origin of 'Mammut'
The word 'mammoth' comes from the Russian word 'mamont', which refers to a type of large, woolly elephant-like creature believed to be ancient. This term may have originated from the Komi-Permyak word 'mama', meaning 'earth', which hints at the belief that these creatures emerged from the earth upon humans discovering their remains. The French adopted the term in the early 18th century, and it was soon integrated into the English language. As it became more widely known through fossils and excavation sites across Europe and North America, the term 'mammoth' became synonymous with the larger, hairy species of elephants that once existed in prehistoric times.