penguin
UK: ˈpɛŋɡwɪn | US: ˈpɛŋɡwɪn
n. A flightless seabird of the Southern Hemisphere, characterized by upright posture, flipper-like wings, and black-and-white plumage.
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The word "penguin" has a debated but fascinating history. It likely originated from the Welsh pen gwyn ("white head"), referring to the now-extinct great auk, a similar-looking Northern Hemisphere bird. When explorers encountered the Southern Hemisphere birds, they applied the name due to their resemblance. Alternatively, some theories suggest a Latin (pinguis, "fat") or Spanish (pingüino) influence, but the Welsh connection remains most plausible. The word’s evolution reflects cross-cultural encounters and mistaken identity in natural history.
The penguin waddled across the icy shore to join its colony.
Scientists study penguin behavior to understand climate change impacts.
A group of penguins is called a "raft" when swimming.
The documentary highlighted the emperor penguin’s resilience in Antarctica.
Children giggled at the penguin’s clumsy movements at the zoo.