dolphin
/'dɔlfin/
Definition
- Noun:
- A marine mammal: A dolphin is a highly intelligent, aquatic mammal belonging to the family Delphinidae. It is characterized by a streamlined body, a beak-like snout, and a curved dorsal fin. Dolphins are known for their playful behavior, complex social structures, and use of echolocation for navigation and hunting.
- A type of fish: In some contexts, "dolphin" can also refer to a large, fast-swimming fish (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as mahi-mahi or dorado, which is popular as a food and game fish in warm seas.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Mammal):
- We saw a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
- The dolphin is known for its remarkable intelligence and communication skills.
- Noun (Fish):
- The fishermen caught a beautiful, iridescent dolphin off the coast of Hawaii.
- Grilled dolphin is a delicacy in many coastal regions.
Advanced Usage
- "Dolphin-friendly": A term used to describe tuna fishing practices that do not harm or kill dolphins.
- Consumers are encouraged to buy dolphin-friendly tuna.
- "Dolphinarium": A facility where dolphins are kept in captivity for public display and performances.
- The ethics of keeping dolphins in a dolphinarium are often debated.
Variants and Related Words
- Dolphinarium (n): An aquarium for dolphins.
- Dolphin-safe (adj): Certified as caught using methods that minimize harm to dolphins.
Synonyms
- Porpoise (n): A related, smaller marine mammal with a blunt snout. (Note: "Dolphin" and "porpoise" are different, though often confused.)
- Mahi-mahi (n): The Hawaiian name for the dolphinfish, used to avoid confusion with the mammal.
Related Phrases
- "Dolphin kick": A powerful swimming technique used in human swimming, particularly in the butterfly stroke, mimicking the motion of a dolphin's tail.
- The swimmer's strong dolphin kick gave her an advantage in the race.
- "Dolphin dive": A surface diving technique.
- He used a dolphin dive to retrieve the object from the seabed.
Related Idioms
- "Like a dolphin in water": To be in one's element; to be perfectly suited to a situation.
- She took to the new software like a dolphin in water.
Noun
-
any of various small toothed whales with a beaklike snout; larger than porpoises
-
large slender food and game fish widely distributed in warm seas (especially around Hawaii)
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