Definition

Noun: * A large, aggressive species of shark (Carcharodon carcharias) found in many warm seas, known for its size, power, and occasional attacks on humans. It is easily recognized by its pointed snout, gray upper body, and white underside.

Usage

• The word "great white shark" is a compound noun. It is used as a singular, countable noun to refer to the specific animal.
• It is often preceded by the definite article "the" when referring to the species as a whole, or by "a" when referring to a single individual.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The documentary featured stunning footage of a great white shark breaching the ocean's surface.
  • Marine biologists are studying the migration patterns of the great white shark.
  • A great white shark can detect a single drop of blood in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Advanced Usage

• The term is frequently used in scientific, documentary, and conservation contexts.
• It is commonly shortened in informal speech to "great white."
  • We went cage diving to see great whites off the coast.

Variants and Related Words

• Great white (n): A common informal shortening of "great white shark."
• White pointer (n): A regional name used primarily in Australia and New Zealand.
• White death (n): A dramatic, less common nickname emphasizing its danger.
• Carcharodon carcharias (n): The formal, scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Man-eater (n): A general, dramatic term for any shark known to attack humans, not specific to the great white.
• Predator (n): A general term for any animal that hunts and kills others for food.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Jaws of a great white: A phrase used metaphorically to describe an extremely dangerous or threatening situation.
  • Facing the hostile boardroom felt like being in the jaws of a great white.
• Like a great white in a goldfish bowl: An idiom describing something or someone powerful and dangerous in a small, confined, or inappropriate place.
  • The champion fighter looked like a great white in a goldfish bowl at the amateur tournament.

Noun

1. large aggressive shark widespread in warm seas; known to attack humans