Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Walrus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🦭
Add to dictionary

walrus

[ˈwɔːlrəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

A large marine mammal with a tough wrinkled hide and long tusks, found in the Arctic seas.

Synonyms

sea elephant, tusker.

Examples of usage

  • Walruses use their tusks to haul themselves out of the water onto ice.
  • The walrus is known for its distinctive tusks and blubbery appearance.
Context #2 | Noun

slang

A person who is large, fat, or clumsy.

Synonyms

clumsy person, fat person.

Examples of usage

  • He's such a walrus, always bumping into things with his size.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Habitat

  • Walruses are typically found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, often on ice floes or sandy beaches.
  • They dive to great depths, sometimes reaching up to 600 feet underwater, to find food like clams and mollusks.

Cultural Significance

  • In Inuit culture, walruses are seen as important animals for food and materials, symbolizing strength and sustenance.
  • The famous Beatles song 'I Am the Walrus' features the animal metaphorically, linking it to confusion and absurdity.

Physical Characteristics

  • Adult walruses can weigh over 2,000 pounds, making them one of the largest pinnipeds (flippered marine mammals).
  • Their tusks, which are actually elongated canine teeth, can grow up to 3 feet long and are used for pulling themselves onto ice.

Behavior

  • Walruses are known for their social behavior, often gathering in large groups called herds that can number in the thousands.
  • They communicate using a variety of sounds, including barks, whistles, and growls, especially during mating seasons.

Origin of 'walrus'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'walrus' comes from the Old Norse word 'hrossvalr', which means 'horse whale'.
  • In different languages, the walrus is known as 'morse' in French and 'seacow' in Portuguese due to its size and characteristics.

The word 'walrus' comes from the Old Norse word 'hrossvalr', which means 'horse-whale'. The name reflects the appearance of the walrus, as it has the size of a horse and lives in the sea like a whale. Walruses have been an important part of Arctic cultures for thousands of years, providing meat, blubber, ivory, and hide for various uses.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,730, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.