Tapir: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
tapir
[ หteษชpษr ]
animal species
A tapir is a large herbivorous mammal found in the jungles of South and Central America and Southeast Asia. Tapirs are characterized by their stout bodies, short legs, and long, flexible snouts which they use to grab leaves, fruit, and other vegetation. Despite their pig-like appearance, tapirs are more closely related to horses and rhinoceroses. They typically inhabit dense forests and are excellent swimmers. There are several species of tapirs, all of which are currently listed as vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
Synonyms
none
Examples of usage
- The tapir is often referred to as a living fossil.
- Tapirs are known to have a shy and solitary nature.
- The Brazilian tapir is the largest of the species.
- In the Amazon rainforest, the tapir plays a critical role in seed dispersal.
Translations
Translations of the word "tapir" in other languages:
๐ต๐น tapir
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคชเคฟเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Tapir
๐ฎ๐ฉ tapir
๐บ๐ฆ ัะฐะฟัั
๐ต๐ฑ tapir
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฏ
๐ซ๐ท tapir
๐ช๐ธ tapir
๐น๐ท tapir
๐ฐ๐ท ํํผ๋ฅด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุงุจูุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ tapรญr
๐ธ๐ฐ tapรญr
๐จ๐ณ ่ฒ
๐ธ๐ฎ tapir
๐ฎ๐ธ tรญgr
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐะฟะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แขแแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ tapir
๐ฒ๐ฝ tapir
Etymology
The term 'tapir' originates from the Tupi language spoken by the Indigenous people of Brazil, where the word 'tapi' means 'tapir'. The word was adopted into English in the early 17th century, following the first explorations of the Amazon Basin by Europeans. The significant cultural interaction between the indigenous peoples and the early colonizers led to the introduction of various local fauna and flora into European vernacular. Tapirs have existed for millions of years, with their ancestors being present during the Eocene epoch, around 56 to 33.9 million years ago. Over time, they have adapted to diverse habitats, but their populations have increasingly faced threats due to habitat destruction and other anthropogenic factors. Due to these survival challenges, conservation efforts have gained importance, focusing on protecting the remaining tapir habitats and mitigating human impacts.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #33,339 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 33336 jiffy
- 33337 extroverted
- 33338 snicker
- 33339 tapir
- 33340 choler
- 33341 compellingly
- 33342 misinterpreting
- ...