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dromedary

dromedary

1 8.4
A large camel with one hump that lives in hot deserts
  • noun
  • /ˈdrɒməˌdɛri/
translation icon : dromedario
  • A single-humped dromedary can carry heavy loads across sandy terrains.
  • dromedary hump
  • one-humped dromedary

Examples

  • The dromedary is well adapted to survive in the hot deserts of northern Africa.

  • The Arabs were the first to use dromedaries imported from Asia for large-scale caravans across the Sahara.

    Academic text (1995)
  • It was a female and pregnant, and in Rome, it gave birth to a female dromedary and raised it.

    Academic text (2012)
  • It was called a dromedary, and as a noble gesture, he sent it to present to the pope.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Behind him rode in a splendid dromedary, a younger man dressed as a Morisco.

  • We had previously ridden the one-hump dromedaries, but this was far more comfortable.

    Academic text (2004)
  • ... we mounted our dromedaries, the master-miner, my interpreter, and myself to make some research in the vicinity.

    Academic text (2002)
  • In the market, the vendor showcased a majestic dromedary that attracted many tourists.

Synonyms

Camelus dromedarius
vsdromedary
  • Specialized
8.1

A large camel with one hump that lives in desert areas of northern Africa and southwest Asia

is the common English name used in everyday speech
Arabian camel
vsdromedary
2.6

A large desert animal with a single hump that can live a long time without water

is the strict biological species name rather than a regional label

Surface Forms

dromedary singular
dromedaries plural

Etymology

The word dromedary comes from the Greek word dromas meaning 'running', because these camels were prized for fast travel across the desert. So a dromedary is like a 'running' camel with one hump, built to go long distances in hot, dry places.