Oryctolagus cuniculus
- noun
- /ɔːrɪkˈtɒlədʒəs kʌˈnɪkjʊləs/
- Specialized
:
conejo europeo
- The Oryctolagus cuniculus is known for its burrowing habits.
Examples
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Wild populations of Oryctolagus cuniculus have become established in Australia, causing ecological concerns.
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Domestic breeds of Oryctolagus cuniculus exhibit a wide variety of colors and coat types.
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The laboratory commonly uses Oryctolagus cuniculus as a model organism for research.
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In many regions, the Oryctolagus cuniculus has become a common pet.
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In many regions, Oryctolagus cuniculus is a popular domestic pet due to its friendly nature.
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The Oryctolagus cuniculus is recognized for its distinctive long ears and powerful hind legs.
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Farmers often raise Oryctolagus cuniculus for meat and fur, appreciating their rapid growth and reproduction.
Synonyms
A common burrowing rabbit from southern Europe and northern Africa, often kept as a pet
A burrowing rabbit from southern Europe and northern Africa often kept as a pet
A rabbit or other small burrowing animal with long ears and a short tail
Surface Forms
Morphology
Oryctolagus + cuniculus
This is a Latin scientific binomial (taxonomic) name that functions as a conventional label rather than a compositional English phrase; its meaning ('European rabbit') is not derivable from ordinary English constituent meanings. One element is not even listed in the dictionary and both parts require knowledge of Latin/taxonomic conventions, so a B1 learner who simply knows the surface constituents would not reliably infer the species meaning.
Etymology
Oryctolagus cuniculus comes from old Greek and Latin words: oryctolagus means a 'digging hare' and cuniculus refers to a 'rabbit that lives in a burrow'. That's why the name fits the European rabbit, an animal that digs and lives in tunnels.
