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Glite Dictionary
narwal

narwal

8.6
A small Arctic whale whose male has a long spiral tusk from its upper jaw
  • noun
  • /ˈnɑr.wəl/
  • US
translation icon : narval
  • The narwal is often called the unicorn of the sea because of its long, spiral tusk.

Examples

  • Researchers tracked a pod of narwals through the icy Arctic waters.

  • The narwal is easily recognized by its long, spiral tusk that protrudes from its upper jaw.

  • Many legends about the narwal circulated among Inuit peoples.

  • The narwal is known for its long tusk.

  • Have you ever seen a narwal in the wild?

  • In Arctic waters, the narwal can be found swimming alongside other marine mammals like seals and belugas.

  • Scientists have studied the narwal to understand its unique adaptations to living in freezing environments.

Synonyms

narwhal
vsnarwal
  • US
4 8.4

A small Arctic whale with a long spiral tusk on its head

is worded to say the tusk grows from the upper jaw
narwhale
vsnarwal
  • US
1 8.5

A small Arctic whale whose males have a long twisted tusk on their heads

specifies the tusk as on the upper jaw not just the head
Monodon monoceros
vsnarwal
  • Specialized
9.3

The scientific name of the narwhal, a large Arctic whale whose males have a long spiral tusk

gives the common English description rather than the Latin name

Surface Forms

narwal singular
narwals plural
narwhals plural
narwhal singular

Etymology

Narwal comes from old Norse words nár 'corpse' and hvalr 'whale', because its pale colour made early sailors think of a dead body. So the name points to a kind of whale, and that fits the Arctic animal we now call the 'unicorn of the sea' because of its long, spiral tusk.