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Mastodon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mastodon

[หˆmรฆstษ™หŒdษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

prehistoric animal

Mastodon refers to an extinct genus of the elephant family that roamed North America, Eurasia, and North Africa during the late Miocene to the Pleistocene epochs. These large mammals resembled modern elephants but had distinctively shaped teeth that were adapted for browsing on trees and shrubs. Mastodons were primarily herbivorous and lived in diverse habitats, including forests and open plains. Their extinction occurred approximately 10,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of climate change and hunting by early humans.

Synonyms

Mammut, extinct elephant, prehistoric mammal.

Examples of usage

  • Mastodon fossils were found in various locations.
  • Scientists study mastodon remains to understand prehistoric ecosystems.
  • The museum features a skeleton of a mastodon.
Context #2 | Noun

social network

Mastodon is also the name of a decentralized social networking platform that allows users to create their own social media instances. Each instance operates independently but can communicate with others, forming a vast interconnected network. It promotes user privacy and freedom of expression, distinguishing itself from traditional centralized social media platforms. Users can post, share, and interact with others while maintaining control over their data and community guidelines.

Synonyms

decentralized network, social media platform.

Examples of usage

  • I joined a Mastodon instance for microblogging.
  • Mastodon encourages diverse communities to thrive online.
  • Many activists prefer Mastodon for its privacy features.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Paleontology

  • Mastodons roamed North America during the Late Miocene to the Pleistocene epochs, over 3 million years ago.
  • Their fossils have been discovered in various locations, including North America and Siberia, indicating a wide habitat range.
  • Unlike mammoths, mastodons had flatter teeth that were better suited for a leaf-based diet, showcasing their different eating habits.

Pop Culture

  • The name 'Mastodon' has been used as an inspiration for different media, including comics, movies, and music bands.
  • There is a social media platform named Mastodon that promotes decentralized and community-run interactions.

Evolution

  • Mastodons are closely related to modern elephants as they both belong to the order Proboscidea, showcasing evolutionary links.
  • These creatures evolved distinct characteristics, like their larger bodies and adaptations for foraging through forests.

Extinction

  • Mastodons went extinct around 10,000 years ago, possibly due to climate change and human hunting.
  • Their extinction serves as an important reminder of how ecosystems can change drastically due to environmental factors and human impact.

Origin of 'mastodon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek words 'mastos' (breast) and 'odous' (tooth), referring to its unique teeth structure.
  • It was first described in the early 19th century by French naturalist Georges Cuvier, who named it 'Mastodon.'

The word 'mastodon' originates from the Greek words 'mastos,' meaning 'breast,' and 'odon,' meaning 'tooth.' This etymology reflects the unique shape of mastodon teeth, which are characteristic of the species. The genus Mastodon was first described scientifically in the early 19th century, with the first fossils discovered in North America. It was initially classified as a distinct animal because of its unique dental structure and large size. The term gained popularity as paleontologists began uncovering numerous remains in various locations, solidifying the mastodon's status as an important figure in the study of prehistoric life. The mastodon holds significant cultural and scientific value, enriching our understanding of the Pleistocene era and the creatures that inhabited it.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,805 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.