ankus

9.9

A hooked stick with a sharp spike that a person uses to control an elephant

noun

: ankus

The mahout used his ankus with great care while guiding the elephant through the narrow path.

Examples

She examined the ankus, noticing the sharpness of its hook designed to control massive animals.
An ankus is essential for controlling large elephants.
A traditional ankus is often beautifully decorated and passed down through generations of elephant handlers.
The elephant trainer used an ankus to guide the animal.
The mahout skillfully used his ankus to direct the elephant during the procession.
She observed how the ankus helped the trainer maintain control over the enormous creature.
With a firm grip on the ankus, the elephant handler was able to guide the animal safely through the forest.

Synonyms

goad

vsankus

1 8.3

A pointed stick used to prod animals like oxen

is a specialized hooked and spiked tool for controlling large animals like elephants

Surface Forms

ankus singular

ankuses plural

Etymology

The word ankus comes from the Hindi and Sanskrit word ankusha, which means 'hook' or 'goad'. Think of a decorated hook that an elephant driver uses to guide a large elephant, and that's why ankus means a sharp, hook-shaped tool for controlling elephants.