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Penguin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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penguin

[ˈpɛŋɡwɪn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal species

A penguin is a flightless bird known for its distinct black and white plumage and its waddling walk. Penguins primarily inhabit the Southern Hemisphere, especially Antarctica, and they are highly adapted for life in the water. They are social animals, often living in large colonies, and they primarily feed on fish, krill, and other marine organisms.

Synonyms

avian, bird, seabird.

Examples of usage

  • The emperor penguin is the largest of all penguin species.
  • I saw a group of penguins at the aquarium.
  • Penguins are excellent swimmers and can dive to great depths.
  • Penguin chicks are covered in down feathers when they hatch.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Penguins are a group of aquatic birds that primarily live in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in Antarctica.
  • Their unique ability to stay warm in freezing temperatures comes from layers of fat and specialized feathers that provide insulation.
  • They can dive underwater for long periods, with some species capable of reaching depths of over 500 meters (1,640 feet).

Pop Culture

  • Animated movies like 'Happy Feet' and 'March of the Penguins' have helped highlight the charm of these birds and environmental issues.
  • Penguins are often used as mascots in different brands, exemplifying their cute and approachable image.

Behavior

  • Social creatures, penguins often live in large colonies that can number in the thousands, providing safety in numbers and warmth.
  • They communicate using a complex system of vocalizations and body language, allowing them to identify mates and their chicks.

Conservation

  • Many penguin species are currently under threat due to climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction.
  • International efforts are in place to protect the habitats of these birds, with some species like the Emperor Penguin being monitored closely.

Origin of 'penguin'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'penguin' possibly comes from the Welsh word 'pen gwyn,' meaning 'white head,' originally referring to the now-extinct great auk.
  • Another theory suggests 'penguin' is derived from the Latin 'pinguinus,' meaning 'fat or plump,' which describes their round bodies.

The word 'penguin' is believed to have originated from the Welsh term 'pen gwyn', which means 'white head'. This term was thought to initially describe the now-extinct Great Auk, a flightless bird that resembled the modern penguin. The name was later applied to the penguins discovered in the Southern Hemisphere by European explorers. The first recorded use of 'penguin' in the English language dates back to the early 17th century. Penguins have since become iconic creatures, often symbolizing the harsh cold of polar regions and facing significant threats due to climate change and habitat loss.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,322, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.