gorilla
The English word gorilla is gorilla in Latin.
The term is used to refer to the ape.
Meaning: ape (noun)
Which one should you use?
Gorilla gorilla refers specifically to the Western Gorilla, and Gorilla beringei refers to the Eastern Gorilla.
Did you know?
- While the name is used in Latin, the Romans themselves never encountered a gorilla and had no word for the animal in their classical vocabulary.
- In biological Latin, gorilla gorilla is a tautonym, a rare naming convention where the genus and species names are identical.
- The Latin name Gorilla beringei honors the explorer Bartholomew Bering, showing how Latin incorporates non-Latin surnames into its structure.
Example conversation
Claudia and Lucius are looking at animals in a book.
- ClaudiaQuid est hoc animal, Luci?What is this animal, Lucius?
- LuciusHoc est gorilla.This is a gorilla.
- ClaudiaEstne gorilla periculosa?Is the gorilla dangerous?
- LuciusIta, sed placida est.Yes, but it is calm.
