How Do You Spell GNU?

Pronunciation: [ɡənˈuː] (IPA)

The word "gnu" is spelled with only three letters, but its pronunciation may puzzle many readers. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /nuː/. The "g" is silent, and the "n" is pronounced as "nuh." The "u" is long as in "moon." Gnus are large African antelopes with shaggy, curved horns and a beard like a goat. They are known for their migratory behavior and are a popular safari animal sighting. Despite its phonetic intricacies, the word "gnu" is relatively simple, easy to remember and recognize.

GNU Meaning and Definition

1. The term "gnu" generally refers to a large species of antelope found primarily in the grassy plains of Africa. Scientifically known as Connochaetes, gnus are known for their distinctive appearance and behavior. They possess a robust body structure with a sloping back, a long neck, and curved horns. Gnus display a distinctive facial pattern marked by a black beard-like mane, a white stripe across the nose, and a pair of sharp horns on their forehead. These herbivores are well-adapted grazers, primarily feeding on grasses and occasionally browsing on leaves.

   Gnus are highly gregarious animals, often congregating in large herds of thousands, creating an impressive sight during their annual migration. One of their remarkable behavioral patterns is the "wildebeest migration," where they travel together in search of better grazing opportunities and water resources. This mass movement is often observed in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, attracting numerous predators like lions, hyenas, and crocodiles.

   Beyond their significance in the animal kingdom, the term "gnu" has become iconic due to its association with open-source software. GNU is an abbreviation for "GNU's Not Unix," representing a free software movement initiated by Richard Stallman and the Free Software Foundation. It encompasses a comprehensive collection of software applications and operating systems that allow users to run, modify, and distribute software freedom without restrictions or proprietary limitations. GNU plays a crucial role in promoting collaboration, fostering innovation, and ensuring user empowerment within the realm of computer programming and software development.

2. A wild horned animal of the ox kind inhabiting S. Africa,-a seeming compound of horse, buffalo, and antelope.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GNU

• gne
• genue
• genui
• ginue
• gng
• gna
• glu
• gnco
• onur
• agnu
• gou
• mneu
• ggc
• geniu
• gfx
• gnc
• gn
• gpu
• anq
• anx
• wnu
• ayu
• biu
• gns
• cnd
• cnz
• cnw
• cng
• glm
• edu
• gau
• gwud
• gnb
• gmb
• ghs
• giu
• tnp
• tnu
• gpus
• gvu
• gtu
• iau
• iglu
• mnk
• lnt
• lmu
• mnu
• nyu
• bnj
• pni
• pnw
• ptu
• teu
• rnf
• unf
• gnwe
• Gnuw
• Gnss
• xau
• unnu
• ygna
• Bwu
• enuu
• gcnu
• xeu
• gku
• mnuh
• nnuw
• ggnn
• wNDU
• ognou
• JNuU
• ljnu
• pnud
• wgniu
• xnuu
• oGOU
• gnjnu
• geuw
• GnIUY
• GNuO
• gtcnu
• mn5u
• OGNy
• XTNU
• Gnuee
• gnaue
• gnaur

Etymology of GNU

The word "gnu" is derived from the Khoekhoe or San language, specifically the language of the Hottentot people of southern Africa. In this language, the word "gnu" means "wild animal" or "antelope". The term was later adopted by Europeans when they encountered these animals during exploration in Africa.

Similar spelling words for GNU

• gnaw,
• gun,
• gnus.