Elephant

Definition

Elephant is a noun that refers to a large herbivorous mammal of the family Elephantidae. Known for their distinctive trunks, large ears, and thick skin, elephants are native to Africa and Asia. They are the largest land animals and are recognized for their intelligence and social behavior.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛlɪfənt/
• Respelling: EL-uh-fuhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛlɪfənt/
• Respelling: EL-uh-fuhnt

Etymology

The word "elephant" originates from the Latin "elephantus," which in turn comes from the Greek "elephas," meaning "ivory" or "elephant." The term entered Middle English in the 14th century, referring to the animal known for its tusks and large size.

Derivatives

• Elephantine (adjective)
• Elephas (noun, archaic form)
• Elephantiasis (noun, medical condition)
• Elephantid (noun)
• Elephantoid (adjective)

Synonyms

• Pachyderm
• Behemoth
• Giant

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "elephant" is commonly used to refer to members of the Elephantidae family, such as "The African elephant is larger than the Asian elephant." It may also appear in idiomatic expressions, as in "the elephant in the room," referring to an obvious problem that is being ignored.

Related Terms

• Mammal: A warm-blooded vertebrate animal with hair or fur, which includes elephants.
• Herbivore: An animal that feeds primarily on plants, like elephants.
• Tusk: A long, pointed tooth, often ivory, characteristic of elephants.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A large herbivorous mammal of the family Elephantidae: Refers to any member of the family of large mammals with trunks and tusks.
  • Example: "The elephant is a highly intelligent and social animal."
• Symbolically used to denote something large or imposing: Refers to something of enormous size or importance.
  • Example: "The issue was an elephant in the room, too big to ignore."