giraffe — A tall African mammal with a very long neck and legs
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A tall African mammal with a very long neck and legs
Pronunciation (IPA): /dʒəˈræf/
Example Sentences
- The giraffe couldn't fit through the drive-through window at McDonald's.
- Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth.
- The giraffe's tongue is so long it can clean its own ears.
giraffe
NOUN[/dʒəˈræf/]
A tall African mammal with a very long neck and legs
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Arabic zarāfah, originally meaning 'fast-walker' or 'one who walks swiftly.' European traders and explorers adopted the term upon encountering the animal, impressed by its graceful and rapid gait, which inspired the naming of this distinctive long-necked creature.
Breakdown
Arabic zarāfah (fast-walker: zara- meaning 'to walk quickly' + -fah, a nominal suffix) → giraffe. The term references the animal's characteristically swift and elegant locomotion.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The giraffe couldn't fit through the drive-through window at McDonald's.”
“Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth.”
“The giraffe's tongue is so long it can clean its own ears.”
“We saw a herd of giraffes at the safari park.”
📚Related Words
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