Definition

Proper noun * African elephant: The scientific name for the species of elephant native to Africa, characterized by its large size, very large ears that resemble the shape of the African continent, and long, curved tusks present in both males and females. It is the largest living land animal.

Usage

• The term 'Loxodonta africana' is used primarily in formal, scientific, or zoological contexts to refer specifically to the African bush elephant, distinguishing it from the African forest elephant () and Asian elephants ().
• It functions as a singular proper noun, the name of a specific species.

Examples

• Scientific context:
• Comparative context: , inhabits the rainforests.*
• Descriptive context: Loxodonta africana is easily identified by its massive, flapping ears.

Advanced Usage

• The genus name 'Loxodonta' refers to the lozenge-shaped enamel pattern on the molar teeth of these elephants.
• The species name 'africana' denotes its geographic origin.

Variants and Related Words

• African elephant: The common name for .
• Loxodonta: The genus that includes both African elephant species ( and ).
• Elephantidae: The biological family to which belongs.

Synonyms

• African bush elephant
• African elephant (in a general sense, though this can also refer to the genus)

Different Meanings

• There is only one specific meaning for 'Loxodonta africana'. It does not have idiomatic or figurative uses. It refers exclusively to the biological species.

Noun

1. an elephant native to Africa having enormous flapping ears and ivory tusks