killer whale

/'kiləweil/

Thân thiện

A killer whale leaps from the ocean waves.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, predatory, black-and-white toothed whale (Orcinus orca) characterized by a prominent dorsal fin, found commonly in cold seas.

Usage

• The term "killer whale" is used to refer to the specific marine mammal species. It functions as a countable noun.
• Example:
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• The name "killer whale" originates from sailors observing these animals hunting large whales, though they are technically the largest member of the dolphin family.
• In scientific and conservation contexts, the species is often referred to by its genus name, "orca," which is increasingly common in general use to avoid the potentially misleading "killer" connotation.

Variants and Related Words

• Orca (n): The most common synonym and alternative common name for the killer whale.
  • The orca is known for its complex social structures.
• Grampus (n): An older, less common term for the killer whale.

Synonyms

• Orca: The direct synonym.
• Blackfish: A regional name used in some areas, though it can also refer to other species.

Related Phrases

• Killer whale pod: A social group of killer whales.
  • The resident killer whale pod returns to these waters every summer.

Học thuật

Noun

1. predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas

Từ đồng nghĩa

• killer
• orca
• grampus
• sea wolf
• Orcinus orca