camel
/'kæməl/
Definition
Noun: 1. A large, even-toed ungulate mammal: A camel is a cud-chewing mammal of the genus Camelus, characterized by a long neck, long legs, and one or two fatty deposits on its back called humps. It is exceptionally adapted to arid environments and has been historically used as a draft and saddle animal in desert regions. 2. A color: A light yellowish-brown color, like the typical color of a camel's hair.
Examples of Usage
- The camel is known as the "ship of the desert" for its ability to travel long distances without water.
- They crossed the Sahara on the backs of camels.
- She wore a stylish camel-colored coat.
Advanced Usage
- "To swallow a camel": An idiom meaning to accept or believe something very improbable or to tolerate something extremely objectionable. This originates from a Biblical expression about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel, highlighting hypocrisy.
- The politician's excuse was so absurd it was like asking us to swallow a camel.
- "The straw that broke the camel's back": A common idiom referring to the final, seemingly minor problem or burden that causes a system, person, or situation to fail or give way under cumulative pressure.
- Missing the bus was the straw that broke the camel's back after his terrible day.
Variants and Related Words
- Dromedary (n): The one-humped camel (), also known as the Arabian camel.
- Bactrian camel (n): The two-humped camel (), native to Central Asia.
- Camelid (n): A member of the biological family Camelidae, which includes camels, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
- Camelshair (n): Soft hair from a camel, often used to make brushes or textiles.
Synonyms
- Dromedary (specifically for the one-humped type)
- Bactrian (specifically for the two-humped type)
- Beast of burden (general term for a working animal)
Related Phrases
- Camel train / caravan: A line of camels traveling together, often used for transporting goods across deserts.
- The ancient spice route was traveled by long camel caravans.
- Camel's nose (under the tent): An idiom referring to a small, seemingly harmless initial action that will inevitably lead to larger, undesirable consequences.
- Allowing the new regulation was the camel's nose under the tent; soon, many more restrictions followed.
Noun
-
cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions
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