Definition

Noun: * A very large, mostly aquatic, herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It has a barrel-shaped, nearly hairless body, short legs, a large head with a wide mouth, and spends much of its time in rivers and lakes to keep cool.

Usage

• This is the scientific name for the common hippopotamus. It is used in formal, academic, or zoological contexts to refer specifically to this species.
• In everyday language, the common name "hippopotamus" or the shortened form "hippo" is almost always used instead.

Examples

• Scientific/Formal Context:
  • The Hippopotamus amphibius is considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
  • Our study focuses on the social behavior of Hippopotamus amphibius in the Okavango Delta.
• Contrast with Common Name:
  • (Formal) The population of Hippopotamus amphibius is vulnerable.
  • (Informal) The hippo population is vulnerable.

Advanced Usage

• The two-part name follows the binomial nomenclature system (genus , species ). When written, the genus name is capitalized and the entire phrase is often italicized.
• The species name "" (from Latin/Greek, meaning "living a double life") refers to its semi-aquatic nature, living both in water and on land.

Variants and Related Words

• Hippopotamus (n): The common name for . Also the name of the genus.
• Hippo (n): The common, shortened informal name.
• Pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis) (n): A much smaller, forest-dwelling relative of the common hippopotamus.

Synonyms

• Common hippopotamus
• River hippopotamus
• Hippo (informal)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Hippopotamus-related idioms are extremely rare in English. The common name "hippopotamus" or "hippo" is sometimes used metaphorically due to the animal's size and appearance.
  • He emerged from the water like a grumpy hippopotamus. (A simile describing a large, slow, or grumpy person.)
  • "Hippo" is sometimes used as a nickname for a very large person or object.

Noun

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