HUMPBACK Meaning and
Definition
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Humpback is a noun that refers to a large marine mammal belonging to the family Balaenopteridae and the genus Megaptera. It is specifically used to describe the species Megaptera novaeangliae, commonly known as the humpback whale.
Humpbacks are known for their distinct physical characteristics, including a pronounced hump on their back, which gives them their name. They have long, slender bodies that can measure up to 50 feet in length, with females being slightly larger than males. These whales are also characterized by their long pectoral fins, which can reach up to one-third of their body length.
Humpbacks are renowned for their acrobatic behaviors, such as breaching (leaping out of the water and splashing back down), and slapping the surface with their flippers or tail flukes. They are highly migratory creatures, typically traveling thousands of miles annually between their feeding grounds in colder waters and their breeding areas in warmer tropical waters.
Humpbacks are baleen whales, meaning they filter feed on small fish, krill, and plankton by straining ocean waters through their baleen plates. They have an average lifespan of around 50 years and are found in oceans around the world.
Due to their distinctive appearance, behaviors, and haunting songs, humpbacks have captivated the interest of humans for centuries. These whales are popular subjects for wildlife and nature documentaries, and they frequently feature in conservation efforts to protect their populations and habitats.
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Hunchback. 1. A deformed spine, Pott's curvature, angular curvature, kyphosis; lateral curvature, scoliosis. 2. A sufferer from angular or lateral curvature of the spine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of HUMPBACK
The word "humpback" has its origins in Old English and Middle English. It is derived from the combination of two words: "hump" and "back".
The term "hump" can be traced back to the Old English word "hump", meaning a rounded or protruding shape. It has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as the Old Norse word "hump" with a similar meaning.
The word "back" comes from the Old English word "bæc", which refers to the rear part of the human body or the upper surface of an animal's body. This word has Indo-European roots and is related to similar words in other languages, such as the Old High German word "bah", meaning "back".
When combined, the two words form "humpback", which describes the physical characteristic of a rounded hump on the back of an animal or a person.
Similar spelling word for HUMPBACK
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