rhinoceros
UK: raɪˈnɒsərəs | US: raɪˈnɑːsərəs
n. A large, thick-skinned herbivorous mammal with one or two upright horns on the snout, native to Africa and Asia.
The word "rhinoceros" originates from Greek rhinokerōs, combining rhino- (from rhis, meaning "nose") and -ceros (from keras, meaning "horn"). The term literally translates to "nose-horned," vividly describing the animal's most distinctive feature. This classical compound reflects the ancient Greeks' observational naming tradition, where morphological traits directly inspired terminology. Over time, Latin adopted it as rhinoceros, later entering Middle English via Old French. The word's structure remains transparent, preserving its original logic across millennia.
The rhinoceros charged at the jeep, its massive horn glinting in the sunlight.
Poaching threatens the survival of the African rhinoceros.
A baby rhinoceros stayed close to its mother in the savanna.
The zoo’s rhinoceros enclosure was designed to mimic its natural habitat.
Ancient cave paintings often depict the rhinoceros as a symbol of strength.