white bear
Definition
- Noun:
- A large, white-furred bear: "white bear" refers to the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), a large mammal native to the Arctic region, known for its thick white coat adapted to snowy environments.
Usage Examples
- (Describing the polar bear's swimming ability.)
- (Discussing environmental impact on the polar bear.)
- (Observing a polar bear in captivity.)
Advanced Usage
"white bear effect": a psychological phenomenon where trying to suppress a thought makes it more persistent (also known as "ironic process theory").
- The white bear effect explains why you can't stop thinking about something you're told to avoid. (A concept named after the classic thought-suppression experiment involving a white bear.)
"white bear" in literature: sometimes used symbolically to represent purity, isolation, or the harshness of nature.
- In the novel, the white bear appears as a symbol of the Arctic's unforgiving beauty. (Symbolic use in storytelling.)
Variants and Related Words
Polar bear (n): the more common scientific and everyday name for the same animal.
- The polar bear is the largest land carnivore. (Synonymous with "white bear".)
Ursus maritimus (n): the scientific Latin name for the white bear.
- Ursus maritimus means "sea bear" in Latin, reflecting its marine habitat. (Taxonomic term.)
Synonyms
- Polar bear: the standard term for the animal.
- Ice bear: a less common synonym, emphasizing its icy environment.
- The ice bear roams the frozen tundra. (Poetic or descriptive synonym.)
Related Idioms
- "White bear" (as a rare idiom): an expression used to describe something that is obvious or unavoidable, though not widely established in English.
- The problem is like a white bear in the room — everyone sees it but no one mentions it. (A creative adaptation, not a standard idiom.)
Note: The word "white bear" is primarily a literal descriptive term for the polar bear. Its use in idioms or advanced contexts is limited and often metaphorical or scientific.