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Glite Dictionary
Sphyrna tiburo

Sphyrna tiburo

9.9
A small harmless hammerhead shark called the bonnethead that lives in shallow bays
  • noun
  • /ˈsfɪrnə ˈtɪbʊroʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Sphyrna tiburo
  • The Sphyrna tiburo is often seen swimming in shallow bays along the coast.

Examples

  • Unlike other hammerheads, Sphyrna tiburo feeds mainly on crabs and small fish.

  • The Sphyrna tiburo is commonly found in estuaries, where it seeks food among the sea grass.

  • Marine biologists study the behavior of Sphyrna tiburo to learn more about hammerhead sharks.

  • The Sphyrna tiburo is often found in shallow coastal waters.

  • Many divers enjoy observing the Sphyrna tiburo in the wild.

  • Many divers enjoy observing the Sphyrna tiburo in the wild, especially in warm, shallow bays.

  • Marine biologists study the behaviors of Sphyrna tiburo in order to understand this unique species of hammerhead shark.

Synonyms

shovelhead
vsSphyrna tiburo
  • Specialized
1 8.9

A small shark with a wide, flat head that lives in shallow bays where rivers meet the sea

is the formal scientific name not the alternate common name
bonnethead
vsSphyrna tiburo
  • Specialized
9.0

A small shark with a short spade-shaped head that lives in shallow coastal waters

is the formal scientific name used in biological classification
bonnet shark
vsSphyrna tiburo
  • Specialized
8.1

A small harmless hammerhead shark that lives in shallow bays and river mouths

is the formal scientific name rather than this common variant

Surface Forms

Sphyrna tiburo singular
Sphyrna tiburos plural

Morphology

Sphyrna + tiburo

This is a Latin binomial taxonomic name rather than a compositional English phrase; even if a learner recognizes Sphyrna as the hammerhead genus, the species epithet 'tiburo' is not an English word and gives no transparent clue to 'bonnethead' or a small harmless shark. Scientific names act as arbitrary labels rather than predictable combinations of constituent meanings, so a B1 learner who knows the parts would not be able to derive the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Sphyrna tiburo gets its name from words that picture its head: Sphyrna may come from a word meaning 'hammer' and tiburo is like a local word for 'shark' or 'bonnet'. So the name gives a clear picture — a small hammer-shaped head — which helps you remember this little hammerhead shark that swims in shallow bays.