woolly mammoth
Definition
- Noun:
- An extinct species of mammoth: The woolly mammoth was a large, elephant-like mammal that lived during the Ice Age.
- Characterized by long, dense hair: It is specifically known for its thick, shaggy coat of hair, which was an adaptation to cold environments.
- Geographical and historical context: It was widespread across the colder regions of the northern hemisphere, such as Siberia, Alaska, and northern Europe.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Scientists extracted DNA from the frozen remains of a woolly mammoth.
- Cave paintings often depict the woolly mammoth alongside early humans.
- The woolly mammoth is one of the most well-known prehistoric creatures.
Advanced Usage
- In scientific discourse: The term is used in paleontology, genetics, and climate science discussions about extinction and de-extinction projects.
- The debate on reviving the woolly mammoth through genetic engineering is ongoing.
- In cultural context: It appears in literature and media as a symbol of the Ice Age or prehistoric life.
- The museum's exhibit on the Ice Age features a life-sized model of a woolly mammoth.
Variants and Related Words
- Mammuthus primigenius (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the woolly mammoth.
- Mammoth (n): The broader genus, which includes other extinct species like the Columbian mammoth.
- Woolly rhinoceros (n): Another extinct, hairy megafauna from the same epoch.
Synonyms
- Ice Age mammoth: Emphasizes the historical period.
- Hairy mammoth: A descriptive synonym highlighting its key physical trait.
Related Phrases
- (To be) a woolly mammoth: Used figuratively to describe something very old, outdated, or from a distant past.
- That computer is a woolly mammoth; it can't even run basic software anymore.
Noun
-
very hairy mammoth common in colder portions of the northern hemisphere
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