manta
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A very large, wide ray (fish) that lives in the open ocean in warm regions: It feeds on tiny organisms (plankton) and small fish. While generally not aggressive, its great size can pose a danger. 2. A piece of cloth, often used as a cloak or shawl: A type of blanket worn over the shoulders.
Examples
- Noun (Animal):
- We went scuba diving and saw a graceful manta gliding through the water.
- The manta ray's wingspan can be over 20 feet wide.
- Noun (Cloth):
- She wrapped herself in a colorful woolen manta to keep warm.
- The traditional garment resembled a manta draped over one shoulder.
Advanced Usage
- The term "manta ray" is the full, most common name for the animal. In biological contexts, "manta" alone is understood to refer to the ray.
- In historical or anthropological contexts, a "manta" can refer specifically to a rectangular cloth worn by indigenous peoples in the Americas.
Variants and Related Words
- Manta ray (n): The full common name for the large pelagic ray.
- Devilfish (n): An informal, older name for the manta ray, referring to the cephalic fins that look like "horns."
- Blanket (n): A general term for a large piece of cloth used for warmth.
- Shawl (n): A piece of fabric worn over the shoulders or head.
Synonyms
- (Animal): Devil ray, pelagic ray.
- (Cloth): Cloak, shawl, wrap, serape (a specific type of blanket worn as a cloak).
Related Phrases
- Manta birostris (n): The scientific name for the giant oceanic manta ray.
- Manta alfredi (n): The scientific name for the reef manta ray.
Noun
- extremely large pelagic tropical ray that feeds on plankton and small fishes; usually harmless but its size make it dangerous if harpooned
- a blanket that is used as a cloak or shawl