Quadruped: meaning, definitions and examples

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quadruped

 

[ ˈkwɒdrʊpɛd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal type

A quadruped is an animal that walks on four limbs. Most mammals, including horses, dogs, and cats, are classified as quadrupeds. This term is often used in biological and anatomical contexts.

Synonyms

four-legged animal, tetradactyl

Examples of usage

  • The lion is a magnificent quadruped.
  • Quadrupeds have unique adaptations for movement.
  • Many quadrupeds can run faster than humans.

Translations

Translations of the word "quadruped" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quadrúpede

🇮🇳 चतुरपाद

🇩🇪 Vierbeiner

🇮🇩 hewan berkaki empat

🇺🇦 чотирилапий

🇵🇱 czworonóg

🇯🇵 四足動物

🇫🇷 quadrupède

🇪🇸 cuadrúpedo

🇹🇷 dört ayaklı

🇰🇷 네 발 달린 동물

🇸🇦 أربعة الأرجل

🇨🇿 čtyřnohý

🇸🇰 štvornohý

🇨🇳 四足动物

🇸🇮 štirinožni

🇮🇸 fjórfætlingur

🇰🇿 төрт аяқтылар

🇬🇪 ოთხფეხა

🇦🇿 dördayaqlı

🇲🇽 cuadrúpedo

Word origin

The term 'quadruped' originates from the Latin word 'quadrupes', which means 'four-footed'. The prefix 'quad-' comes from the Latin 'quattuor', meaning 'four', while 'ped' is derived from 'pes', meaning 'foot'. The use of quadruped in the English language dates back to around the 17th century, when it was adopted into scientific and zoological classifications. The word is primarily used to describe animals that have four limbs, which is a common trait among many terrestrial mammals. The classification of quadrupeds helps scientists and researchers in studying animal locomotion, anatomy, and evolution, making it an important concept in zoology.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,301, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.