grampus
/'græmpəs/
Definition
- Noun:
- A marine mammal: A "grampus" is a type of dolphin, specifically the Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), characterized by a robust body, a blunt head without a distinct beak, and a tall, curved dorsal fin. Its skin is typically heavily scarred and appears slate-grey.
- A predatory whale: Historically, the term "grampus" was also used to refer to certain other blunt-headed, toothed whales or dolphins, particularly the orca or killer whale (Orcinus orca) in some older contexts.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- We were thrilled to spot a pod of grampus during the whale-watching tour.
- The old sailor told tales of the fearsome grampus, a black-and-white whale of the northern seas.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in technical or zoological contexts to refer specifically to . In historical and literary contexts, it may have a broader or more ambiguous meaning.
- "To blow like a grampus": An idiomatic expression meaning to breathe very heavily and noisily, like the loud exhalations of the animal.
- After running up the stairs, he was blowing like a grampus.
Variants and Related Words
- Risso's dolphin: The more common modern name for .
- Orca / Killer whale: () A larger, black-and-white toothed whale sometimes historically called a grampus.
Synonyms
- Risso's dolphin (for )
- Killer whale (in some historical/regional contexts)
Related Phrases
- To puff and blow like a grampus: Similar to "blow like a grampus," emphasizing labored, noisy breathing.
- The exhausted hiker sat down, puffing and blowing like a grampus.
Noun
-
slaty-grey blunt-nosed dolphin common in northern seas
-
predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
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