hippopotami

A pod of hippopotami rests in a wide, muddy river.

Definition

1. Plural Noun (irregular plural of ):
   • Large African mammals: "hippopotami" refers to multiple individuals of the species Hippopotamus amphibius, large, mostly herbivorous, semi-aquatic mammals native to sub-Saharan Africa. They are characterized by their massive bodies, short legs, large mouths, and tusks.

Usage Examples

• (Multiple large African mammals in their natural habitat.)
• (Several individuals of the species congregating.)
• (A group of these animals.)

Advanced Usage

• "hippopotami" as a scientific/formal plural: In formal zoological or literary contexts, "hippopotami" is used instead of the more common "hippopotamuses" to maintain classical Latin pluralization.

  • The fossil record shows ancient hippopotami once roamed across Europe and Asia. (In a scientific paper, referring to multiple prehistoric individuals.)

• Figurative use: Rarely, "hippopotami" can be used metaphorically to describe large, cumbersome things or people.

  • The old trucks lumbered down the road like dusty hippopotami. (Comparing large, slow-moving vehicles to the animals.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hippopotamus (singular noun): one individual of the species.
  • A single hippopotamus can weigh up to 3,300 kilograms.
• Hippopotamuses (plural noun, alternative form): the more common English plural.
  • Hippopotamuses are often found in groups called pods or bloats.
• Hippo (abbreviated form, informal): a shortened version of hippopotamus.
  • We saw a hippo at the zoo.
• Hippopotamic (adjective): relating to or resembling a hippopotamus.
  • The hippopotamic roar echoed across the lake.

Synonyms

• Pod: a group of hippopotami (collective noun).
• Bloat: another collective noun for a group of hippopotami.
• River horse: an archaic or poetic term for hippopotamus (from Greek "horse" + "river").

Related Idioms

• "Like a hippopotamus in a china shop": a variation of the idiom "like a bull in a china shop," meaning someone who is clumsy or destructive in a delicate situation.
  • He barged into the meeting like a hippopotamus in a china shop. (Acting without care or finesse.)

Notes on Usage

• Formality: "Hippopotami" is considered more formal or classical than "hippopotamuses," but both are correct. In everyday speech, "hippos" is most common.
• Etymology: The word comes from Latin, which borrowed it from Greek (ἱπποπόταμος), meaning "river horse." The plural ending "-i" follows the Latin second declension pattern.