English Lexicon

Dolphin

/ˈdɒl.fɪn/
nounCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #4500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A highly intelligent marine mammal belonging to the whale family, known for its curved snout, playful behavior, and social structure.

    "A pod of dolphins leaped gracefully through the wake of the boat."
  2. 2

    A marine food fish, also commonly known as mahi-mahi or dolphinfish.

    "The restaurant's daily special was fresh grilled dolphin."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word comes from Middle English 'dolphyn', derived from Old French 'dauphin', which traces back through Medieval Latin 'delphinus' to the Ancient Greek 'delphīs' (δελφίς). It is ultimately related to the Greek word 'delphys', meaning womb, possibly referencing the animal's mammalian nature or curved shape.

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