roughtail stingray
- noun
- /ˈraʊtˌteɪl ˈstɪŋreɪ/
- Specialized
- The roughtail stingray is easily recognized by its rough tail and large size.
Examples
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Scientists tagged several roughtail stingrays to track their seasonal migration patterns.
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Divers spotted a massive roughtail stingray gliding near the reef off Cape Cod.
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The roughtail stingray is known for its long tail.
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Have you ever seen a roughtail stingray in the ocean?
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Divers spotted a massive roughtail stingray gliding near the reef off Cape Cod.
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Scientists tagged several roughtail stingrays to track their seasonal migration patterns.
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The roughtail stingray is easily recognized by its rough tail and large size.
Synonyms
A large stingray found off the US Atlantic coast from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras
Surface Forms
Morphology
roughtail + stingray
Although 'roughtail' is not listed separately in the dictionary, the compound is transparently built from 'rough' + 'tail' and describes a stingray with a rough (or rough-textured) tail; the overall meaning ('a stingray species characterized by a rough tail') is directly inferable from the parts. This adjective+noun compounding pattern is common in English (and mirrored in many languages), so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would readily understand the MWE.
Etymology
Roughtail stingray: The name roughtail tail stingray comes from the animal's rough tail and the fact it is a stingray. The tail often has a sharp spine that can sting, so the picture of a 'rough tail' helps you remember this large sea ray.