white whale
Definition
- Noun:
- A small northern whale that is white when adult: This is the primary zoological definition, referring to a specific species of cetacean, also commonly known as the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas).
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The white whale is easily recognizable by its distinctive color and lack of a dorsal fin.
- Marine biologists are studying the vocalizations of the white whale.
Advanced Usage
- "White whale" as a metaphorical or literary object of obsession: Derived from Herman Melville's novel , where the white sperm whale is the obsessive target of Captain Ahab. This usage refers to a long-sought, often elusive goal or prize.
- Finding that rare first edition book became his white whale.
- For years, winning the championship was the team's white whale.
Variants and Related Words
- Beluga (whale) (n): The more common common name for the .
- The beluga whale is often called the "canary of the sea" due to its vocalizations.
- Moby-Dick (n): The title of the novel and the name of the specific fictional white sperm whale, which is the source of the metaphorical meaning.
Synonyms
- Beluga: The direct synonym for the animal.
- Obsession: A synonym for the metaphorical meaning (an all-consuming goal).
- Quarry: A synonym for the metaphorical meaning (something pursued).
Related Phrases
- Chase one's white whale: To pursue an elusive goal with singular, often destructive, obsession.
- He spent a fortune chasing his white whale of proving the theory.
Related Idioms
- Ahab-like obsession: An intense, monomaniacal pursuit, directly referencing the character from . This is closely related to the metaphorical use of "white whale."
- His Ahab-like obsession with the case cost him his personal relationships.
Noun
-
small northern whale that is white when adult
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
