river-horse
Noun:
A river-horse is an informal or alternative name for the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), a large, semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. The term literally translates to "river horse" because of the animal's horse-like appearance and its strong association with rivers and lakes.
- (Refers to the hippopotamus in its natural aquatic habitat.)
- (An informal, descriptive way to refer to a hippopotamus.)
- (Historical or cultural reference to the hippopotamus.)
"To be as big as a river-horse": a simile used to describe something extremely large or bulky.
- That old truck is as big as a river-horse; it barely fits on the road. (An exaggerated comparison to the hippopotamus's enormous size.)
"River-horse" in literature: The term is occasionally used in poetry or prose to evoke a sense of exoticism or natural power.
- The river-horse rose from the muddy depths, its nostrils flaring. (A vivid, descriptive image in narrative writing.)
Hippopotamus (n): the standard scientific term for the same animal.
- The hippopotamus is one of the largest land mammals. (Formal name.)
Hippo (n): a common, shortened form of "hippopotamus."
- Look at that hippo yawning! (Informal, everyday usage.)
- Hippopotamus: the direct synonym, more formal.
- Behemoth: a metaphorical term for something huge and powerful, though not a direct synonym.
- The behemoth of the river was a sight to behold. (Used figuratively.)
"A river-horse's bath": an idiom meaning a very brief or shallow dip in water, since hippos are known to submerge fully.
- I only had time for a river-horse's bath before the meeting. (A quick, partial wash.)
"To move like a river-horse": to move slowly and heavily, often with a sense of awkwardness.
- He moved like a river-horse through the crowded room. (Clumsy and ponderous movement.)