hippopotamus
[hɪp.pɔˈpɔ.ta.mʊs]
The Latin word for hippo is hippopotamus.
The term refers to a large, semi-aquatic mammal native to Africa.
Did you know?
- In some early Latin translations of the Bible, the hippopotamus was confused with the 'behemoth', leading to the animal being associated with biblical strength.
- The Greek root hippos found in hippopotamus is the same ancestor for the English word 'hippocampus', referring to the part of the brain shaped like a sea horse.
- The Latin root for horse in hippopotamus is borrowed from Greek, rather than using the native Latin word equus.
Examples in context
- Mirabile est videre hippopotamum fluvium vastum transire.It is amazing to see the hippo crossing the mighty river.
- Hippopotamus in aqua habitat.The hippopotamus lives in water.
- Hippopotamus est animal magnum.The hippopotamus is a large animal.
Example conversation
Gaius and Claudia are visiting a zoo.
- GaiusEcce, hippopotamus dormit!Look, the hippopotamus is sleeping!
- ClaudiaIta, sed magnus est.Yes, but it is huge.
- GaiusCur hippopotamus in luto iacet?Why is the hippopotamus lying in the mud?
- ClaudiaUt corpus refrigeret.To cool its body.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hippopotamus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
