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Spheniscus

Spheniscus

9.9
A group of penguins that includes species like the Magellanic and African penguin
  • noun
  • /ˈsfɛnɪskəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Spheniscus
  • The Magellanic penguin belongs to the genus Spheniscus.

Examples

  • Did you know that the Spheniscus penguin is also called the jackass penguin?

  • Researchers discovered a new species within Spheniscus along the South American coast.

  • Unlike other penguins, Spheniscus species are often found in temperate climates.

  • The Spheniscus family includes several species of penguins.

  • The Magellanic penguin belongs to the genus Spheniscus.

  • Researchers discovered a new species within Spheniscus along the South American coast.

  • Unlike other penguins, Spheniscus species are often found in temperate climates.

Surface Forms

Spheniscus singular
Spheniscuses plural

Etymology

Spheniscus comes from the Greek root sphen meaning 'wedge' and the ending -iscus that makes it 'little', so the name means 'little wedge'. Think of a penguin's compact, wedge-shaped body or beak to remember why this name fits this group of penguins.