giraffe etymology

Etymology

The word "giraffe" originates from the French word "girafe." It is believed that the French word derived from the Arabic word "zaraafa," which means "tall one."

Meaning

• A tall, long-necked African mammal (Giraffa camelopardalis) with a spotted skin and two horn-like protuberances on its head.
• A similar South African antelope (Taurotragus oryx).

Origin

The ultimate origin of the word "zaraafa" is uncertain. Some linguists suggest that it may be related to the ancient Egyptian word "srsr," meaning "shaggy" or "hairy," possibly referring to the giraffe's thick mane. Others believe it may derive from an Ethiopian or Somali word with a similar meaning.

The word "camelopardalis" in the scientific name is Latin for "camel pard," referring to the giraffe's camel-like body and leopard-like spots.

giraffe relate terms

• camelopard

  Etymology The word camelopard derives from the Greek words kámelos κάμηλος

• camel

  Etymology The word camel originates from the Latin word camelus which in turn is de

• pard

  Etymology The word pard is derived from Middle English pard which in turn comes from

• sublime

  Etymology The word sublime is derived from the Latin word sublimis which means loft

• gospel

  Etymology and Origin The term gospel comes from the Old English word godspel which

• loyalty

  Etymology Old French leauté Latin legalitas legality faithfulness Latin lex

• Adam

  Etymology Derived from the Hebrew word adamah אדמה meaning earth or ground

• gibbous

  Etymology The word gibbous comes from the Latin word gibbosus meaning humped or b

• adamant

  Etymology The word adamant comes from the Greek word adamas which means unconquerabl

• discipline

  Etymology Latin disciplina Meaning instruction teaching training Origin discer

• rigmarole

  Etymology Middle English rigmarole from Anglo Norman rigmarole from the Anglo Norman

• Antioch

  Etymology Greek Αντιόχεια Antiókheia Meaning By Victory or Fortres