Definition

Noun: 1. A large, thick-skinned, herbivorous mammal native to Africa: This term refers to the hippopotamus, a massive semi-aquatic mammal that spends much of its time in rivers, lakes, and swamps. The name "river horse" is a direct translation of its ancient Greek name, reflecting its aquatic habitat and large size.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We went on a safari and saw a river horse submerged in the water with only its eyes and nostrils visible.
  • Despite their bulky appearance, river horses can run surprisingly fast on land.
  • The guide warned us that the river horse is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.

Advanced Usage

• As a descriptive term: "River horse" is primarily a descriptive or poetic alternative to the more common term "hippopotamus." It is often used in literature, documentaries, or educational contexts to evoke an image of the animal's nature.
  • The ancient Egyptians both feared and revered the mighty river horse.

Variants and Related Words

• Hippopotamus (n): The standard, more scientific name for the same animal. Often shortened to "hippo."
• Hippo (n, informal): A common, abbreviated form of "hippopotamus."

Synonyms

• Hippopotamus
• Hippo (informal)

Notes on Meaning

• The term "river horse" is a direct calque (loan translation) from the Greek word , from (horse) + (river). It is not typically used in modern everyday conversation but is understood as a descriptive name for the animal.

Noun

1. massive thick-skinned herbivorous animal living in or around rivers of tropical Africa