drake

/dreik/

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Word: Drake

Part of Speech: Noun

Basic Definition:

1. Drake refers to an adult male duck. Ducks are waterfowl that are commonly found in ponds, lakes, and rivers.

2. Drake is also the name of a famous English explorer and admiral named Sir Francis Drake who lived from 1540 to 1596. He was the first Englishman to sail around the world and played a significant role in defeating the Spanish Armada.

Usage Instructions:

• When using "drake" to talk about ducks, remember it specifically refers to the male. You would not use "drake" to describe a female duck, which is called a "hen."
• When speaking about Sir Francis Drake, you can refer to him as "Drake" or "Sir Francis Drake" in historical contexts.

Examples:

1. Regarding Ducks: "We saw a beautiful drake swimming in the pond."
2. Regarding the Explorer: "Sir Francis Drake was a notable figure during the Elizabethan era."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or poetry, "drake" might be used metaphorically to represent male strength or leadership, often in a natural context.
• In historical discussions, "Drake" may refer to his expeditions and impact on naval warfare.

Word Variants:

• Drakes: This is the plural form, used when referring to more than one male duck.
• Duck: This is the general term for both male and female ducks.

Different Meanings:

• Besides the primary meanings, "drake" does not have many other meanings, but in different contexts, it might appear in names or phrases related to ducks.

Synonyms:

• For the male duck: Male duck, gander (though "gander" more commonly refers to male geese).
• For the explorer: Often referred to simply as Francis Drake or Sir Francis Drake.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that originate from the word "drake." However, you may encounter phrases related to ducks in general, such as "like water off a duck's back," which means something does not affect someone.

Summary:

"Drake" is an important word in English with two main meanings: an adult male duck and the name of a significant historical figure.

Academic

Noun

1. adult male of a wild or domestic duck
2. English explorer and admiral who was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe and who helped to defeat the Spanish Armada (1540-1596)

Synonyms

• Drake
• Francis Drake
• Sir Francis Drake