hippopotamus amphibius

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The term "hippopotamus amphibius" refers to a large animal commonly known as the hippopotamus. Let's break this down for you:

Basic Explanation:

• Hippopotamus (noun): A massive, thick-skinned animal that is usually found in or around rivers in tropical Africa. They are herbivorous, which means they primarily eat plants.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use the word "hippopotamus" when talking about this specific animal. For example, "The hippopotamus is known for its large size and strong jaws."

Example Sentence:

• "At the zoo, we saw a hippopotamus swimming in the water."

Advanced Usage:

• In a scientific context, you might use the full name "Hippopotamus amphibius" when discussing its classification in biology. For example, "Hippopotamus amphibius is part of the family Hippopotamidae."

Word Variants:

• The plural form is "hippopotamuses" or simply "hippos."
• Related words include "hippo" (a casual or shortened form) and "hippopotamic" (an adjective that describes something related to hippos).

Different Meanings:

• The word "hippo" can also be used informally to describe someone who is large or clumsy, but this is not a formal use and can be considered disrespectful.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "hippopotamus," but you might hear "large river animal" or "African river horse" (which is a literal translation of the name).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no commonly used idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "hippopotamus." However, you might come across phrases like "as big as a hippo," which is used to describe something very large.

Summary:

The hippopotamus is a fascinating animal known for its size and habitat.

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Noun

1. massive thick-skinned herbivorous animal living in or around rivers of tropical Africa

Synonyms

• hippopotamus
• hippo
• river horse
• Hippopotamus amphibius