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Wale Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wale

[weɪl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

marine mammals

Whales are large marine mammals belonging to the order Cetacea, which also includes dolphins and porpoises. They are known for their size, intelligence, and their ability to communicate with each other through complex vocalizations. Whales are found in oceans all around the world and can be divided into two main groups: baleen whales and toothed whales. The baleen whales filter feed by using baleen plates to strain small fish and krill from the water, while toothed whales, such as orcas and sperm whales, hunt larger prey.

Synonyms

cetacean, marine mammal, whale species.

Examples of usage

  • The blue whale is the largest animal on the planet.
  • Whales can be seen breaching the surface during their migration.
  • Many species of whales are endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Textiles

  • In fabric terms, 'wale' refers to the raised lines in corduroy, which can vary in width and number.
  • Different types of wales (narrow, wide, etc.) affect the texture and comfort of clothing, making some fabrics softer and warmer.

Pop Culture

  • Wale is also the name of a popular American rapper known for his unique style and contributions to hip-hop music.
  • In fashion, styles with visible wale textures often trend in seasonal collections, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary designs.

Science

  • In marine biology, wales refer to structures on the surface of animals, like some seabirds that have special adaptations for flight.
  • The term 'wales' can also be used in physical geography to describe undulating surfaces or patterns seen in natural formations.

History

  • Historically, corduroy fabric was popular among working-class individuals in the 18th century due to its durability and warmth.
  • The use of whale oil was common in the 19th century for lighting lamps, drawing an interesting connection between the animal and manufacturing processes.

Origin of 'wale'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wale' comes from the Old English 'walea', meaning 'ridge' or 'bump'.
  • In textile manufacturing, 'wale' has been used since at least the 15th century to describe the raised patterns in fabric.

The word 'whale' comes from the Old English term 'hwæl', which, like other related terms in Germanic languages, generally meant 'large sea fish'. The usage of the term has evolved over centuries to specifically refer to the marine mammals of the order Cetacea. Historically, whales were significant in many cultures for their size and the resources they provided, such as oil and meat. The hunting of whales dates back thousands of years, and it played a crucial role in the economy of certain coastal communities. With the advent of modern whaling practices in the 18th and 19th centuries, many whale populations faced near extinction. This led to the establishment of conservation efforts and international laws to protect whale species, shifting the perception of whales from resources to valuable living beings that need protection.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,825, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.