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Mare Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mare

[meษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sea

A female horse or other equine animal, especially one that is over the age of four years old. Mares are known for their nurturing and protective instincts towards their young.

Synonyms

broodmare, dam, female horse.

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Word Description / Examples
mare

A general term for a female horse, regardless of breeding status.

  • We rode the mare along the beach
  • The mare looked calm and composed
female horse

A very straightforward and general term that can be used in any context to specify the gender of the horse.

  • The prize went to a female horse in the competition
  • They bought a healthy female horse for their stables
broodmare

Specifically used for a female horse that is kept for breeding. Often found on farms or in contexts related to horse breeding.

  • The farm has several broodmares that produce high-quality foals
  • She decided to sell her best broodmare
dam

A more technical term often used in breeding to refer to the mother of a horse's foal.

  • The foal's dam has won many races
  • They kept a detailed record of the dam's lineage

Examples of usage

  • The mare led her foal to safety.
  • The farmer decided to breed the mare with a champion racehorse.
Context #2 | Noun

sea

A large dark area on the moon's surface visible from Earth. It is believed to be solidified lava flows from ancient volcanic activity.

Synonyms

lunar maria, moon sea.

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Word Description / Examples
mare

This word can also refer to the dark plains located on the moon, but it is more specialized and used less frequently than 'lunar maria'.

  • The mare on the moon's surface is visible through a telescope.
  • Ancient astronomers once thought the mare were seas filled with water.
lunar maria

Used in scientific or astronomical contexts to describe the large, dark, basaltic plains on Earth's moon.

  • Astronomers study the lunar maria to understand more about the moon's history.
  • The Apollo missions landed near the lunar maria.
moon sea

A more poetic or less formal way to refer to the lunar maria, often used in non-scientific contexts.

  • The ancient cultures believed that the dark spots on the moon were actual moon seas.
  • Under the night sky, they gazed at the moon sea and wondered about its mysteries.

Examples of usage

  • The mare on the moon is also known as the lunar maria.
  • Astronomers study the mare to learn more about the moon's geological history.
Context #3 | Verb

obsolete

To inflict damage upon, spoil, or tarnish something.

Synonyms

damage, spoil, tarnish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mare

Use this word when referring to a female horse.

  • The mare grazed peacefully in the field.
  • They adopted a beautiful mare from the rescue center.
damage

This word is suitable for situations where something is harmed or broken. This word is neutral and is used in a wide variety of contexts, both physical and abstract.

  • The storm caused significant damage to the roof.
  • She was worried about the damage to her reputation.
spoil

This word should be used when something is ruined or made less enjoyable, and it can also suggest going bad, such as with food. It usually carries a negative connotation.

  • Too much rain can spoil a picnic.
  • Don't let the milk spoil by leaving it out of the fridge.
tarnish

This word is often used when describing the process of losing shine, particularly with metals, but can also describe harm to a personโ€™s reputation or image. It has a negative implication.

  • Over time, silver can tarnish if not properly cared for.
  • The scandal tarnished his previously spotless reputation.

Examples of usage

  • The passage of time had mare'd the once beautiful painting.
  • The reputation of the company was mare'd by the scandal.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Mares can exhibit strong maternal instincts, often being protective of their foals.
  • They commonly form strong social bonds with other horses in a herd, showing empathy and cooperation.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, mares have been symbolic of femininity, fertility, and grace.
  • Folklore often depicts mares as magical creatures, associated with myths and legends.

Science

  • Mares experience a reproductive cycle known as the estrous cycle, which influences their breeding patterns.
  • The gestation period for a mare is about 11 months, similar to humans, resulting in one foal per birth.

Literature and Art

  • Mares have been featured prominently in literature, often symbolizing freedom and beauty.
  • Famous artworks depict mares in grand landscapes or as trophies of victory in ancient cultures.

Origin of 'mare'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mare' comes from Old English 'mรฆre' and has roots in Proto-Germanic languages.
  • Historically, the term has been used for female horses since around the 16th century.

The word 'mare' has its origins in Old English 'mรฆre', which referred to a female horse. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the dark plains on the moon's surface. The verb form of 'mare' as in to damage or spoil something is now considered obsolete but was commonly used in Middle English. The association of 'mare' with sea in the context of the moon's surface comes from the Latin word 'mare', meaning sea.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,265, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.