How Do You Spell BIGHORN?

Pronunciation: [bˈɪɡhɔːn] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "bighorn" is determined by the sounds of the word. The IPA phonetic transcription of "bighorn" is /ˈbaɪ.hɔːn/. The "b" is pronounced with a sharp "ba" sound, while the "i" is pronounced with a long "ai" sound. The "gh" is pronounced with a silent "h," and the "or" is pronounced with an "aw" sound. The final "n" is pronounced with a short "uh" sound. The spelling of "bighorn" accurately reflects the phonetic sounds of the word.

BIGHORN Meaning and Definition

1. Bighorn refers to a large, wild sheep species that belongs to the Ovis genus and is native to the high-altitude regions of North America. It is characterized by its impressive size, with males (rams) weighing up to 300 pounds and measuring around 5 to 6 feet in length, excluding their curved horns. Females (ewes) are smaller and lighter, weighing around 200 pounds on average. The bighorn sheep earned its name because of its large, hollow, and curled horns, which can reach up to 3 feet in length. These horns are mainly found on males and are used as a symbol of dominance during breeding season and territorial disputes.

   Living in rugged mountainous habitats, bighorn sheep are highly adapted to their environment. They possess strong muscular bodies that enable them to navigate steep and rocky terrains with agility and precision. Their keen eyesight aids in detecting predators from afar, while their remarkable climbing skills allow them to scale precipitous slopes with ease.

   Bighorn sheep are herbivorous grazers, feeding primarily on grasses, sedges, and various other plants found in their habitats. They have specialized digestive systems that enable them to extract enough nutrients from the sparse vegetation.

   Although bighorn populations faced dramatic declines in the past due to habitat loss, overhunting, and diseases transmitted from domestic sheep, conservation efforts have helped in their recovery. Today, bighorn sheep are regarded as an iconic symbol of North American wildlife and are protected in national parks and wildlife refuges.

Common Misspellings for BIGHORN

• bishon
• biorn
• bighten
• biforn
• biggon
• bigoin
• biforin
• Biforyne
• biforrin
• biggunn
• rifron
• bofoon
• birehorn
• Byforne
• Biglehorn
• Biphor

Etymology of BIGHORN

The word "bighorn" originated from Old English, with "bīc" meaning "a male sheep" and "horn" referring to the animal's prominent horns. It is a combination of these two words, referring to a specific type of sheep known for its large, curling horns. Over time, "bighorn" came to specifically denote the North American wild sheep species belonging to the genus Ovis, including the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and the desert bighorn sheep.

Similar spelling words for BIGHORN

• bichrome,
• bicornuous,
• bicorned,
• bicornuate,
• big on,
• bicorn,
• bicornate,
• bicorne,
• bighorns.

Plural form of BIGHORN is BIGHORN OR BIGHORNS