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Glite Dictionary
Eurasian otter

Eurasian otter

5.1
A medium-sized otter that lives in rivers and coasts of Europe and Asia with thick waterproof fur
  • noun
  • /jʊəˈreɪʒən ˈɒtə/
  • UK
translation icon : nutria euroasiática
  • The Eurasian otter is distinguished by its sleek, waterproof fur and webbed feet.

Examples

  • Researchers observed a family of Eurasian otters playing along the riverbank in the early morning.

  • Conservation efforts have helped the population of the Eurasian otter increase across several European countries.

  • The Eurasian otter is often found near rivers.

  • I saw a Eurasian otter swimming in the lake.

  • Researchers observed a family of Eurasian otters playing along the riverbank in the early morning.

  • Conservation efforts have helped the population of the Eurasian otter increase across several European countries.

  • The Eurasian otter is distinguished by its sleek, waterproof fur and webbed feet.

Synonyms

Lutra lutra
vsEurasian otter
  • Specialized
9.1

A type of otter that lives in rivers and streams in Europe and Asia

is the common English name used instead of the Latin form

Surface Forms

Eurasian otter singular
Eurasian otters plural

Morphology

Eurasian + otter

The meaning 'a species of otter native to Europe and Asia' is directly derivable from combining 'Eurasian' (relating to Europe and Asia) with 'otter' (a small aquatic carnivore). This is a straightforward geographic modifier + noun composition with no idiomatic or metaphorical shift, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will understand it.

Etymology

Eurasian otter simply names the animal: Eurasian points to Europe and Asia and otter is the water-loving mammal. So it means 'an otter native to Europe and Asia' and brings to mind its thick fur and life in rivers and along coasts.