manta etymology

Etymology:

The word "manta" comes from the Spanish word "manta," which means "blanket" or "cloak." It is thought to have been applied to these rays because their wide pectoral fins resemble a manta ray.

Meaning:

"Manta" refers to a group of large, planktivorous rays in the genus Manta. These rays are characterized by their enormous wing-like pectoral fins and their distinctive cephalic fins that form a "head" or "horns."

Origin:

The term "manta" was first used to describe these rays in the 18th century by Spanish explorers who encountered them in the Pacific Ocean. The scientific name for the genus Manta, which was established in 1828, comes from the Greek word "mantas," which also means "blanket" or "cloak."

Additional Information:

• The most common species of manta ray is the giant manta ray (Manta birostris), which can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) wide.
• Manta rays are filter feeders that feed on plankton by swimming through the water and filtering the small organisms out of the water.
• Manta rays are highly migratory and can travel thousands of miles each year.
• Manta rays are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to overfishing and habitat degradation.

manta relate terms

• mantle

  Etymology The word mantle derives from the Middle English term mantel which origina

• blanket

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• cover

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• history

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• deacon

  Etymology Middle English dekene Old French diacre Latin diaconus Greek διάκον

• obstreperous

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  Etymology Greek προσήλυτος prosḗlytos meaning one who has come over or

• matter

  Etymology The word matter comes from the Middle English term matere which is derive

• like

  Etymology is the study of the origin of words and how their meaning has changed over time

• spruce