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babirusa

babirusa

1 9.9
A large wild pig from Indonesia with long tusks that grow upward through the snout
  • noun
  • /ˌbɑːbɪˈruːsə/
  • Specialized
: babirusa
  • Conservationists are working to protect the habitat of the endangered babirusa in Sulawesi.

Examples

  • The babirusa is an endangered species.

  • The babirusa is easily identified by its extraordinary tusks that curl back toward its forehead.

  • A babirusa can sometimes be seen in specialized exhibits at large zoos.

  • Did you see a babirusa at the zoo?

  • The babirusa is known for its distinctive long, curved tusks that can grow through its snout.

  • In the dense forests of Indonesia, the babirusa roams, showcasing its unique appearance.

  • Watching a babirusa in its natural habitat is fascinating, especially because of its unusual teeth.

Synonyms

babiroussa
vsbabirusa
9.9

A large wild pig from Indonesia with long teeth that curve upward toward its forehead

is identical in meaning but follows the standard spelling
Babyrousa babyrussa
vsbabirusa
  • Specialized
9.9

A wild pig from Indonesia with long curved tusks that point upward

is the broader term for the group and not just one species
Babyrousa
vsbabirusa
  • Specialized
9.9

A wild pig from Indonesia with long tusks that curve upward

is the species-level name for that pig rather than the genus

Surface Forms

babirusa singular
babirusas plural

Etymology

Babirusa comes from the Malay/Indonesian words babi 'pig' and rusa 'deer', so people called it a 'pig-deer' because its long, curved tusks grow up over the snout and look a little like deer horns. That's why the name fits this wild Indonesian pig with strange upward tusks.