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Glite Dictionary
Ovis ammon

Ovis ammon

9.9
A large wild sheep from central Asian mountains with very long curved horns
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Ovis ammon
  • During their expedition to Mongolia, researchers observed several herds of Ovis ammon grazing on the mountain slopes.

Examples

  • The Ovis ammon is distinguished by its impressive curved horns, which can reach remarkable lengths.

  • Conservationists are concerned about the declining population of Ovis ammon due to habitat loss and poaching.

  • The Ovis ammon is known for its impressive curved horns.

  • Have you ever seen an Ovis ammon in the wild?

  • Conservationists are concerned about the declining population of Ovis ammon due to habitat loss and poaching.

  • During their expedition to Mongolia, researchers observed several herds of Ovis ammon grazing on the mountain slopes.

  • The Ovis ammon is distinguished by its impressive curved horns, which can reach remarkable lengths.

Synonyms

argali
vsOvis ammon
1 9.9

A large wild sheep from Central Asia with big curved horns on males

is the scientific name used for the same species in formal contexts
argal
vsOvis ammon
9.9

A wild sheep with large curved horns that lives in dry, rocky areas of central Asia

is the formal species name rather than the colloquial variant

Surface Forms

Ovis ammon singular
Ovis ammon plural

Morphology

Ovis + ammon

The first element 'Ovis' clearly names the sheep genus, so a learner who recognises that can infer the expression refers to a sheep species; however 'ammon' is not a transparent English word (and functions as a Latin specific epithet), so the precise species identity ('argali') and any extra implications are not derivable. Because genus + species binomial conventions give a partial, predictable clue (it's a kind of sheep) but do not yield the full meaning to a B1 learner, the MWE is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Ovis ammon comes from Latin words: Ovis means 'sheep' and ammon may come from the old Egyptian god Amun, who was shown with curved ram horns. The animal's large curved horns reminded people of that god, so the name now refers to the argali 'wild sheep' with impressive horns.