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Glite Dictionary
Antidorcas marsupialis

Antidorcas marsupialis

9.9
A small South African gazelle called the springbok that jumps high when it runs
  • noun
  • South African
translation icon : Antidorcas marsupialis
  • The Antidorcas marsupialis is famous for its high leaps, known as pronking, across the African plains.

Examples

  • In Africa, the Antidorcas marsupialis is often seen pronking, a unique behavior that helps it evade predators.

  • Unlike many other antelope, the Antidorcas marsupialis displays remarkable agility when escaping predators.

  • Scientists observed a herd of Antidorcas marsupialis grazing peacefully before suddenly taking flight.

  • The Antidorcas marsupialis is known for its incredible jumping ability.

  • Did you see the Antidorcas marsupialis at the zoo?

  • The Antidorcas marsupialis gracefully leaped into the air, showcasing its distinctive jumping ability on the savannah.

  • The Antidorcas marsupialis is a beautiful gazelle known for its remarkable agility and ability to jump high.

Synonyms

springbok
vsAntidorcas marsupialis
  • South African
1 8.2

A small antelope from southern Africa that jumps high

is the scientific name used in formal contexts rather than casual speech
springbuck
vsAntidorcas marsupialis
  • South African
8.6

A medium-sized African antelope that jumps high while running

is the formal scientific name for the same species

Surface Forms

Antidorcas marsupialis singular
Antidorcas marsupialis plural

Morphology

Antidorcas + marsupialis

This is a Latin binomial scientific name (a proper noun) rather than a compositional English phrase; its common meaning ('springbok' and the species' characteristic behavior) is not predictable from the parts. Knowing 'Antidorcas' as a genus might only suggest ‘some kind of antelope,’ and the second element is unglossed and functions as a taxonomic label, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would not reliably derive the MWE's common meaning.

Etymology

Antidorcas marsupialis is the scientific name for the springbok, a South African gazelle that makes a sudden, high jump called 'pronking' when it is alarmed. This clear image of the animal springing into the air explains why Antidorcas marsupialis refers to a gazelle famous for its quick, high leaps.