pond-skater
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * A long-legged insect that moves across the surface of still water without sinking. It is also commonly known as a water strider.
Usage
The term "pond-skater" is a common name used to describe a specific type of aquatic insect. It is used in everyday language and nature observation contexts. * We watched the pond-skaters darting across the still surface of the lake. * A pond-skater's legs are covered in tiny hairs that repel water, allowing it to walk on water.
Advanced Usage
- The ability of the pond-skater to move on water is a classic example of surface tension in physics and biology.
- In ecological studies, the presence of pond-skaters can indicate clean, still freshwater habitats.
Variants and Related Words
- Water strider (n): The more common scientific and general name for the same insect.
- Gerridae (n): The scientific family name for pond-skaters and water striders.
Synonyms
- Water strider
- Jesus bug (informal, regional)
Related Phrases
- To skate on water: A descriptive phrase inspired by the insect's movement.
- The insect seemed to skate on water effortlessly.
Noun
- long-legged bug that skims about on the surface of water