hippopotamus etymology

Etymology:

The word "hippopotamus" is derived from the Ancient Greek words "hippos" (ἵππος), meaning "horse," and "potamós" (ποταμός), meaning "river."

Meaning:

Hippopotamus literally translates to "river horse," which accurately describes its large size and semi-aquatic lifestyle.

Origin:

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a large, semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. The name "hippopotamus" was first used by ancient Greek geographers to refer to this animal.

Additional Facts:

• Hippopotamuses are the third largest land mammals, after elephants and rhinoceroses.
• They are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and other vegetation.
• They are highly territorial and can be aggressive towards humans.
• Hippopotamuses have thick skin that can secrete a pink-red fluid that acts as a natural sunscreen and antiseptic.
• They are known for their large, gaping mouths, which they use for display and defense.

hippopotamus relate terms

• hippopotamus

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• Eohippus

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• equestrian

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• equine

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• equus

  Etymology The word equus comes from the Proto Indo European PIE root h₁éḱwos

• hippo

  Etymology The word hippo is derived from the Ancient Greek word ἱπποπόταμο

• hippocampus

  Etymology The word hippocampus is derived from two Greek words hippos ἵππος

• Hippocratic

  Etymology The term Hippocratic is derived from the Greek Hippocrates the name of the

• Hippocrene

  Etymology The word Hippocrene is derived from the Greek words Hippos ἵππος

• hippocrepian

  Etymology The term hippocrepian is derived from the Greek words hippos horse and

• hippodrome

  Etymology Hippodrome is derived from the Greek words hippos ἵππος meaning ho

• hippogriff

  Etymology The word hippogriff is derived from two Greek words Hippo ἵππος

• Hippolytus

  Etymology Hippolytus Ἱππόλυτος is a Greek name derived from the following ro

• hippopotamus

• Philip

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• philippic

  Etymology The word philippic derives from Philippics a series of speeches by the an

• Philippines

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• Xanthippe

  Etymology Greek Ξανθίππη Xanthíppē Meaning Yellow horse or yellow

• nixie

  Etymology The word nixie originates from the German word Nix which means water spi

• behemoth

  Etymology From Late Latin behemoth From Hebrew בְּהֵמוֹת bəhēmōṯ the p

• river

  Etymology The word river comes from the Latin word rivus meaning brook or stream

• horse

  Etymology The word horse is derived from the Proto Indo European PIE root h₃éḱ

• theology

  Etymology and Origin The word theology is derived from two Greek roots Theos Meanin

• adept

  Etymology The word adept is derived from the Latin word adeptus which means one who

• mirage

  Etymology The word mirage comes from the Latin word mirari meaning to wonder at o

• sheepish

  Etymology The word sheepish derives from the Middle English word sheepisch which is