Maltese
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Relating to Malta, its people, or its culture: Describes something originating from or associated with the island republic of Malta or its inhabitants.
Noun:
- A breed of small dog: A specific breed of toy dog characterized by a long, straight, silky, and pure white coat.
- A type of domestic cat: In the United States, a term sometimes used informally for any short-haired bluish-grey cat.
- The national language of Malta: A Semitic language that is the official language of Malta, derived from Arabic with significant vocabulary influences from Italian, Sicilian, Spanish, and Norman-French.
- A person from Malta: A native or inhabitant of the Republic of Malta.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The Maltese archipelago consists of several islands.
- We enjoyed traditional Maltese food.
Noun (Dog Breed):
- Her Maltese is very playful and affectionate.
Noun (Language):
- He is learning to speak Maltese.
Noun (Person):
- The Maltese are known for their hospitality.
Advanced Usage
- "Maltese Falcon": A famous cultural reference, notably from the 1941 film , which features a statuette as a central plot element. This usage is distinct from the direct definitions of the word.
- "Maltese cross": A cross with four V-shaped or arrowhead-shaped arms, often used as a symbol. This is a specific heraldic and cultural symbol.
Variants and Related Words
- Malteser (noun, less common variant): An alternative term for a native or inhabitant of Malta.
- Maltese-language (adjective): Pertaining to the Maltese language (e.g., Maltese-language literature).
Synonyms
- For the language: There are no direct synonyms, as it is a proper noun for a specific language.
- For the person: Maltese national, Maltese citizen.
- For the dog breed: Maltese dog, Maltese terrier (an older term).
Related Phrases
- Phrasal verbs: The word "Maltese" itself does not form standard English phrasal verbs.
Related Idioms
- There are no common English idioms that centrally feature the word "Maltese" aside from the cultural references mentioned in "Advanced Usage."
Adjective
- of or relating to the island or republic of Malta or its inhabitants
- Maltese customs officers
Noun
- breed of toy dogs having a long straight silky white coat
- a term applied indiscriminately in the United States to any short-haired bluish-grey cat
- the national language of the Republic of Malta; a Semitic language derived from Arabic but with many loan words from Italian, Spanish, and Norman-French
- a native or inhabitant of Malta