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Glite Dictionary
genus Hippopotamus

genus Hippopotamus

7.9
A group of large African mammals that live mostly in water
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs/
  • Specialized
: género Hippopotamus
  • The genus Hippopotamus includes the common hippopotamus and several extinct relatives.

Examples

  • The genus Hippopotamus is notable for its members' semi-aquatic habits.

  • Scientists are studying fossils to determine the evolutionary history of the genus Hippopotamus.

  • The genus Hippopotamus includes several species of large mammals.

  • Did you know that the genus Hippopotamus is primarily aquatic?

  • The genus Hippopotamus includes the common hippopotamus and several extinct relatives.

  • Scientists are studying fossils to determine the evolutionary history of the genus Hippopotamus.

  • The genus Hippopotamus is notable for its members' semi-aquatic habits.

Surface Forms

genus Hippopotamus singular
genera Hippopotamus plural

Morphology

genus + hippopotamus

The phrase 'genus Hippopotamus' is directly compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank grouping related species) combined with 'Hippopotamus' (the animal) indicates the taxonomic group that contains hippopotamuses. This follows a regular scientific naming pattern that a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer.

Etymology

Genus Hippopotamus uses genus, a Latin word meaning 'group', and Hippopotamus, a Greek name that literally means 'river horse'. So the phrase names the 'river horse' group of big African mammals that live in water.