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

1. extremely large pelagic tropical ray that feeds on plankton and small fishes; usually harmless but its size make it dangerous if harpooned
2. a blanket that is used as a cloak or shawl