sulphur-bottom

A massive sulphur-bottom whale surfaces in the open ocean.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of whale: "sulphur-bottom" is a common name for the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), the largest animal known to have ever existed. It refers to the yellowish or sulphur-coloured underside of this whale.

Usage Examples

• (The blue whale is at risk of extinction.)
• (Scientists research the movements of the blue whale.)

Advanced Usage

• "sulphur-bottom whale": a full or alternative term for the blue whale, emphasizing its distinctive yellow-tinged belly.
  • The sulphur-bottom whale can weigh over 200 tons. (The blue whale is extremely heavy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sulphur-bottomed (adj): having a yellow or sulphur-coloured bottom or underside.
  • The sulphur-bottomed appearance of the whale is caused by algae on its skin. (The yellowish colour comes from microscopic plants.)
• Sulphur (n): a pale yellow chemical element.
  • The whale's name comes from the sulphur-like colour of its belly. (The colour resembles the element sulphur.)

Synonyms

• Blue whale: the standard scientific and common name for the same species.
• Balaenoptera musculus: the scientific, Latin name for the blue whale.

Related Idioms

Phrasal Verbs