Part of Speech

noun

Pronunciation

/ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs/

Definitions

• A large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, known for its large size, amphibious lifestyle, and aggressive behavior.
• Scientific name: Hippopotamus amphibius, typically weighing between 3,000 to 4,000 kg.

Usage Examples

• The hippopotamus is one of the heaviest land animals on Earth.
• During their time in the wild, hippopotamuses spend most of the day submerged in water to keep cool.

Etymology

The word "hippopotamus" comes from the Ancient Greek "hippos" (ἵππος), meaning "horse," and "potamos" (ποταμός), meaning "river." It refers to the "river horse," reflecting the animal's affinity for water. The word entered English in the early 17th century.

Synonyms

• River horse
• Hippo
• Water cow

Antonyms

• Land animal
• Terrestrial mammal

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "hippopotamus" is quite consistent across regions. However, in some places, the second syllable may be pronounced more softly (i.e., "hip-puh-POT-uh-muhs" in American English), while in others (like in British English), the stress may shift slightly, with the emphasis on the first syllable (i.e., "HIP-oh-pot-uh-muhs").

Historical Usage

The hippopotamus was known to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, who depicted the animal in their art. It was often associated with the Nile River, where it was abundant. The word "hippopotamus" was used by Greek philosophers such as Aristotle, who documented the animal's behavior and habitat in the 4th century BC.

Cultural Nuances

In some African cultures, the hippopotamus is considered a symbol of strength and aggression. It plays an important role in local folklore and is seen as a fearsome but revered animal. In contrast, in Western cultures, the hippopotamus is often viewed as a somewhat comical, clumsy creature, frequently featured in zoos and children's books.

More Information

The hippopotamus is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, despite its herbivorous diet. It is known to be highly territorial, especially in water. Hippos have adapted to both land and aquatic environments, spending most of their day submerged in water to keep cool. They have large tusks that grow continuously throughout their lives. While they spend a lot of time in the water, hippos are also capable of running at high speeds on land, making them formidable creatures in their environment.