elephant
UK: ˈel.ɪ.fənt | US: ˈel.ə.fənt
n. a very large gray mammal with a long trunk, large ears, and tusks, native to Africa and South Asia.
n. (figurative) something enormous or unwieldy.
elephant = eleph<ivory, elephant> + ant<noun suffix>
- eleph<ivory, elephant>: Derived from Greek elephas (ἐλέφας), originally meaning "ivory" and later referring to the animal.
- ant<noun suffix>: A common English suffix forming nouns, often indicating agency or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word "elephant" traces back to Greek elephas, which initially denoted ivory (the material) before being applied to the animal itself. Latin borrowed it as elephantus, and Old French adapted it to olifant, eventually entering Middle English as elephant. The shift from "ivory" to the animal reflects the cultural association of elephants with their prized tusks.
The elephant trumpeted loudly as it sprayed water with its trunk.
Moving the antique piano felt like transporting an elephant.
Elephants are known for their strong social bonds and long memories.
The project became an elephant in the room, too big to ignore.
She collected miniature elephant figurines from around the world.