hippopotame

hippopotamus

noun ee-poh-poh-TAM Rare

Origin: Greek hippopotamos ('river horse')

Usage Note

Hippopotame is the standard French word; colloquially it is shortened to hippo. Despite their placid appearance, hippopotames are considered among Africa's most dangerous animals, a fact frequently cited in French nature documentaries.

Examples

"L'hippopotame passe la journée dans l'eau."

Natural Translation

The hippopotamus spends the day in the water.

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