Pronunciation: [djˈuːlaps] (IPA) 
The word "dewlaps" is spelled with a "d," "e," "w," "l," "a," and "p," and is pronounced /ˈdjuːlæps/. The "d" sound at the beginning is followed by a long "u" sound and a "w" sound. The "l" and "a" are pronounced separately, with the accent on the first syllable. The final "p" is pronounced with a slight popping sound. The word refers to the loose skin under the chin or neck of certain animals, such as cows or rabbits.
Dewlaps refer to the loose, hanging folds of skin that are found on the neck or throat of certain animals, particularly quadrupeds and birds. These flaps of skin are usually located between the lower jaw and the chest or upper trunk region. The term "dewlap" is often used to describe the prominent or elongated folds of skin that serve various functions depending on the animal species.
In some animals, such as certain breeds of cattle, goats, and sheep, dewlaps are primarily a result of genetics or selective breeding. They can serve as an indicator of good health and robustness in livestock animals and may also be sexually dimorphic, meaning that they appear larger or more prominent in males compared to females.
In other animals, such as certain reptiles, birds, or insects, dewlaps have a different functionality. For instance, male anoles, a type of lizard, have brightly colored dewlaps that they extend and display during courtship or territorial disputes. These dewlaps function as visual signals to communicate with rivals or potential mates.
Overall, dewlaps serve a variety of purposes in the animal kingdom, such as showcasing vitality, attracting mates, displaying dominance, or acting as a form of communication. They are an interesting anatomical characteristic that can vary greatly in size, shape, and function across different animal species.
The word "dewlaps" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the Middle English word "dowlap" or "dowlap", which referred to the loose fold of skin under the chin or neck of certain animals, especially cattle. The Middle English term can be traced back to the Old English word "dweolpa", which meant a loose, hanging part of an animal's body.
The Old English term "dweolpa" itself has Germanic roots, specifically from the Proto-Germanic word "*dwelban", meaning "to make hanging or sloping". This Proto-Germanic root is also related to the Old Norse word "dvelja", which means "to delay or linger".
Over time, the word "dowlap" transformed into "dewlap" by the influence of the Old French word "jupal", which had a similar meaning.
