Pronunciation: [ˈɛlɪfˌantiːn] (IPA) 
The word "elephantine" is spelled with the prefix "elephant-" meaning "pertaining to elephants", and the suffix "-ine", meaning "of or relating to", resulting in a word that describes something as elephant-like. The phonetic transcription of this word in IPA is /ˌɛl.əˈfæn.taɪn/, consisting of the sounds "el" as in "bell", "uh" as in "cut", "fan" as in "fanatic", "tai" as in "tie", and "n" as in "not".
Elephantine is an adjective that describes something as being similar or characteristic of an elephant. It can refer to the physical attributes, behaviors, or qualities associated with an elephant. The word is derived from the noun "elephant," which is a large, herbivorous mammal with a long trunk, large ears, and tusks.
In a literal sense, elephantine can describe an object or structure of immense size or bulk, similar to that of an elephant. It refers to something colossal, massive, or monumental. For instance, a building with an elephantine architecture might have prominent features or proportions that resemble those of an elephant's magnificence and grandeur.
Beyond physical attributes, the term can be used metaphorically to describe qualities or behaviors associated with elephants. It can connote qualities such as clumsiness, awkwardness, or ponderousness, as elephants are known for their slow and deliberate movements. For example, someone with an elephantine gait might have a heavy or clumsy way of walking. Similarly, someone with an elephantine memory has an exceptional and prodigious ability to remember information or events.
Overall, elephantine captures the essence of the elephant in various aspects, encompassing its physicality, grandeur, and certain behavioral traits. The word is versatile and can be used in various contexts to evoke the characteristics or qualities associated with elephants, emphasizing their uniqueness and remarkable features.
Pert. to; very large.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "elephantine" is derived from the Latin term "elephantinus", which is a variant of "elephas", meaning "elephant". This Latin term itself originated from the Greek word "elephas". The Greeks borrowed the term from the Sanskrit word "ibhah", which also means "elephant". The Sanskrit word can be traced back to the ancient Proto-Indo-European root "*h1ebh-" or "*h1ebhr-", which is believed to represent the sound made by elephants.
