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Glite Dictionary
Physeter macrocephalus

Physeter macrocephalus

9.1
A very large whale with a big head that dives deep to eat squid
  • noun
  • /faɪˈsiːtər ˌmækroʊˈsɛfələs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Physeter macrocephalus
  • The Physeter macrocephalus, also known as the sperm whale, has been observed diving to incredible depths to hunt for its prey.

Examples

  • Did you know that the Physeter macrocephalus can dive over 3,000 feet?

  • The massive head of the Physeter macrocephalus contains the largest brain of any animal.

  • The Physeter macrocephalus can dive to great depths in search of squid.

  • Researchers tracked a pod of Physeter macrocephalus off the coast of New Zealand.

  • The Physeter macrocephalus is known for its impressive size.

  • Researchers have documented that the Physeter macrocephalus can hold its breath for over 90 minutes while foraging in the ocean.

  • The unique body shape of the Physeter macrocephalus makes it one of the most recognizable species of marine mammals.

Synonyms

sperm whale
vsPhyseter macrocephalus
4 3.7

A very large whale with a huge head and big teeth that lives in deep oceans

is the formal scientific name rather than the everyday common name
Physeter catodon
vsPhyseter macrocephalus
  • Specialized
9.9

A large whale with a square head that holds oil

is the accepted modern scientific name instead of that older form
cachalot
vsPhyseter macrocephalus
  • Archaic
9.9

A very large whale with a big head that contains waxy oil and sometimes produces ambergris

is the Latin scientific label used universally in scientific texts

Surface Forms

Physeter macrocephalus singular
Physeter macrocephali plural

Morphology

Physeter + macrocephalus

The name is compositional in taxonomic terms: 'Physeter' denotes the whale genus and 'macrocephalus' (macro- = large, -cephalus = headed) literally describes a large-headed species, so the overall meaning is deducible from the parts for someone familiar with those roots and naming conventions. However, recognition requires knowledge of Latin/Greek roots and biological binomial conventions (and the input even lacks a dictionary sense for 'macrocephalus'), so an average B1 learner who only knows everyday English vocabulary would not reliably derive the meaning.

Etymology

Physeter macrocephalus may come from old Greek words: Physeter meaning 'blower' and macrocephalus meaning 'big head'. That picture, a whale that blows at the surface and has a very large head, explains why the name refers to the 'sperm whale' today.