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Delphinus delphis

Delphinus delphis

7.2
A black-and-white ocean dolphin that often leaps high out of the water
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : delphín común
  • The Delphinus delphis is known for its spectacular leaps above ocean waves.

Examples

  • Researchers tracked the migration patterns of Delphinus delphis along the Atlantic coast.

  • Many marine reserves protect populations of Delphinus delphis due to their ecological importance.

  • Look at that Delphinus delphis!

  • I saw a Delphinus delphis during my trip to the ocean.

  • Many marine reserves protect populations of Delphinus delphis due to their ecological importance.

  • Researchers tracked the migration patterns of Delphinus delphis along the Atlantic coast.

  • The Delphinus delphis is known for its spectacular leaps above ocean waves.

Synonyms

common dolphin
vsDelphinus delphis
2.6

A small black-and-white sea animal that swims fast and often jumps from the water

is the formal scientific name used in biology for that species

Surface Forms

Morphology

Delphinus + delphis

This is a Latin binomial: 'Delphinus' clearly names the dolphin genus so a learner who recognizes that root can infer the phrase refers to a type of dolphin, but the species epithet 'delphis' is non‑dictionary/opaque and the precise meaning 'common dolphin' requires taxonomic knowledge. Because some information is recoverable from the parts (it's a dolphin) but the exact referent is not predictable, the expression is partially transparent.

Etymology

Delphinus delphis is the Latin name for the common dolphin. The name repeats Delphinus and delphis to show it is the typical or 'true' dolphin, so picture a black-and-white dolphin leaping out of the sea to remember it.