water skater
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A long-legged insect that moves on the surface of water: A water skater is a type of bug, also commonly known as a water strider or pond skater, characterized by its slender body and very long legs, which allow it to skim or glide across the surface of water without sinking.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- We observed a water skater darting across the calm surface of the pond.
- The water skater uses the water's surface tension to support its weight.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific context: In entomology, the term "water skater" is used informally to refer to insects in the family Gerridae, which are true bugs (Hemiptera) adapted to a semi-aquatic life.
- The study focused on the locomotion mechanics of the water skater.
Variants and Related Words
- Water strider (n): Another common name for the same insect.
- Water striders are often seen in slow-moving streams.
- Pond skater (n): A variant name, particularly used in British English.
- Children enjoy watching pond skaters on the village pond.
Synonyms
- Gerrid: The scientific family name, often used to refer to these insects collectively.
- Jesus bug: A colloquial name, referencing the insect's ability to "walk on water."
Related Phrases
- To skate on water: A descriptive phrase inspired by the insect's movement, though not a standard phrasal verb.
- The insect seemed to skate on water with effortless grace.
Noun
- long-legged bug that skims about on the surface of water