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Glite Dictionary
Grampus griseus

Grampus griseus

9.7
A large grey dolphin with a blunt nose that lives in warm and temperate seas
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : grampus gris
  • Grampus griseus, commonly known as Risso's dolphin, is frequently observed swimming in northern coastal waters.

Examples

  • Marine biologists sighted a pod of Grampus griseus during the research expedition.

  • The characteristic scars on the body help researchers identify Grampus griseus individuals.

  • Grampus griseus is often seen off the coasts of temperate and tropical waters worldwide.

  • The Grampus griseus is often spotted in the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Have you ever seen a Grampus griseus in the wild?

  • Scientists recorded the behaviors of a group of Grampus griseus while conducting their oceanic studies.

  • When swimming, Grampus griseus can be recognized by its distinctive features and size.

Surface Forms

Grampus griseus singular
Grampus grisei plural

Morphology

Grampus + griseus

This is a Linnaean binomial (genus + species epithet) where the epithet 'griseus' is Latin for 'grey', so if a learner knew both parts they could infer 'the grey Grampus' (Risso's dolphin). However, 'griseus' is not an English word and taxonomic Latin is not a standard compositional pattern for B1 learners, so understanding depends on knowledge of Latin/taxonomic conventions rather than normal English morphology.

Etymology

Grampus griseus may come from old words meaning 'big fish' for Grampus and griseus means 'grey' in Latin. One popular story says the name paints a simple picture of a large grey dolphin, so it fits the animal we know as Risso's dolphin today.