griffon
/'grifən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A large vulture: A large Old World vulture (Gyps fulvus) found in southern Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia, characterized by pale body plumage and contrasting dark flight feathers.
- A breed of dog: A breed of dog with a distinctive wiry coat, often referring to two distinct types: the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (a medium-sized hunting dog) and the Brussels Griffon (a very small companion dog).
- A mythical creature: A legendary creature, also spelled griffin, with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Vulture):
- We spotted a griffon soaring on the thermal currents above the cliffs.
- Conservation efforts are crucial for the endangered griffon vulture.
- Noun (Dog Breed):
- She owns a playful Brussels griffon that fits perfectly on her lap.
- The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an excellent bird dog for hunters.
- Noun (Mythical Creature):
- A stone griffon guarded the entrance to the ancient temple.
- In heraldry, the griffon symbolizes courage and strength.
Advanced Usage
- "Griffon vulture": The full, specific name for the bird of prey, often used to avoid confusion with the other meanings.
- The griffon vulture has a wingspan of over two meters.
- Used attributively (as a noun modifier) to specify type or origin.
- He specializes in griffon breeding. (context clarifies if referring to dogs or vultures)
- The tapestry depicted a griffon motif.
Variants and Related Words
- Griffin: The more common alternate spelling for the mythical creature.
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: A specific breed of gun dog.
- Brussels Griffon: A specific breed of toy dog.
- Griffonage (n): (rare) Careless or illegible handwriting. (Etymologically related via the griffin's supposed claw marks).
Synonyms
- For the vulture: Eurasian griffon, Gyps fulvus.
- For the mythical creature: Griffin, gryphon.
- For the dog breed: (For the small type) Brussels griffon, petit brabançon.
Related Phrases
- To have a grip like a griffon: An idiomatic expression suggesting a very strong, unyielding hold, derived from the mythical creature's powerful talons.
- The old sailor had a grip like a griffon.
Related Idioms
- As majestic as a griffon: Used to describe something possessing a powerful and noble bearing, combining leonine and aquiline qualities.
- The veteran general stood before the troops, as majestic as a griffon.
Noun
- large vulture of southern Europe and northern Africa having pale plumage with black wings
- breed of medium-sized long-headed dogs with downy undercoat and harsh wiry outer coat; originated in Holland but largely developed in France
- breed of various very small compact wiry-coated dogs of Belgian origin having a short bearded muzzle
- winged monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion