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dauphin

dolphin

noun doh-FAN Rare
Animals & Nature Sea Creatures

Also means

dauphin (heir to French throne)

Usage Note

Dauphin has two distinct senses: the marine mammal dauphin (dolphin) and the historical title for the heir to the French throne, who was called le Dauphin. The title originated from the Dauphiné region of France, whose emblem was a dolphin. Today the word is almost always used for the animal, though the historical sense appears in history lessons and media.

Examples

"Un dauphin nage près du bateau."

Natural Translation

A dolphin swims near the boat.

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