bottlenose
Noun 1. A type of beaked whale: A large whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) found in the northern Atlantic Ocean, characterized by a prominent, bulbous forehead (melon) and a distinct beak. 2. A type of dolphin: Any of several dolphins, especially of the genus Tursiops, characterized by a short, well-defined beak and a curved mouth that gives the appearance of a smile. They are known for their intelligence and are commonly found in the northern Atlantic and Mediterranean seas.
- The bottlenose is one of the most studied cetacean species due to its coastal habits and cognitive abilities.
- Marine biologists observed a pod of bottlenose dolphins hunting cooperatively.
- The northern bottlenose whale is a deep-diving species that feeds primarily on squid.
- The term is often part of the full common names for these species, such as the "common bottlenose dolphin" () and the "northern bottlenose whale" ().
- Bottlenose dolphin (n): The specific and most common referent when using "bottlenose" alone in a marine context.
- Bottlenose whale (n): Specifies the larger, beaked whale species.
- For : Tursiops (scientific genus name).
- For : Northern bottlenose whale, Hyperoodon (scientific genus name).
The core meaning refers to the distinctive shape of the animal's snout or forehead, which resembles the neck of a bottle. The two primary meanings are distinguished by the animal's class: 1. A cetacean of the family Delphinidae (dolphins): Typically refers to the intelligent, smaller, more social animals commonly seen in aquariums and coastal waters. 2. A cetacean of the family Ziphiidae (beaked whales): Refers to a larger, less frequently seen, deep-diving whale species. Context usually clarifies which animal is meant.
- northern Atlantic beaked whale with a bulbous forehead
- any of several dolphins with rounded forehead and well-developed beak; chiefly of northern Atlantic and Mediterranean