How Do You Spell SHARK?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈɑːk] (IPA)

The word "shark" is spelled with a "sh" sound at the beginning, which represents the voiceless postalveolar fricative phoneme /ʃ/. This is a common sound in English, found in words like "ship" and "shoe." The "ar" in "shark" is pronounced as the vowel sound /ɑr/, which is a rhotic diphthong that combines the sounds of /ɑ/ and /r/. The final "k" in "shark" represents the voiceless velar stop consonant /k/. Overall, the phonetic transcription of "shark" is /ʃɑrk/.

SHARK Meaning and Definition

  1. A shark is a predatory fish that belongs to the class of cartilaginous fishes, characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton, a streamlined and elongated body, and a set of sharp, pointed teeth. Sharks are known for their relentless hunting nature and are typically found in marine habitats across the world. They are part of the superorder Selachimorpha, encompassing over 500 species, ranging in size from a few inches to several meters long.

    Sharks are renowned for their distinct physical features, such as the pair of pectoral fins that help in maintaining balance and maneuverability, as well as the powerful caudal fin that allows for swift movement through water. They have a keen sense of smell, utilizing specialized olfactory organs to detect prey over long distances. Additionally, sharks possess electroreceptive organs known as Ampullae of Lorenzini, enabling them to sense electrical currents generated by potential prey or other objects in their environment.

    As apex predators, sharks sit at the top of the marine food chain, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Being carnivorous creatures, their diet primarily consists of fish, marine mammals, and in some cases, seabirds or even other sharks. While some shark species are known to be relatively docile, others can exhibit aggressive behavior, making them a subject of fascination, fear, and respect for humans.

    Due to their intrinsic biological and ecological significance, sharks have been studied extensively by researchers, leading to a greater understanding of their physiology, behavior, and conservation needs. They also hold cultural significance in various societies and are often depicted in art, literature, and popular culture as powerful and formidable creatures.

  2. • A large voracious sea-fish of many species; a greedy and rapacious one; an artful fellow who lives by shifts and tricks; one ready to seize every advantage; a sharper.
    • To clutch greedily after; to live by shifts and petty tricks.

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

Top Common Misspellings for SHARK *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SHARK

Etymology of SHARK

The word "shark" originates from the Middle English term "sherk" or "shark", which was derived from the Old English term "scearc", meaning "a cutting instrument" or "a sherd" (a broken piece of pottery). This Old English word ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic root "*skarkaz", which means "a cutting tool". The association with "shark" and a predatory marine fish was later established in the 16th century due to the creature's sharp teeth and its reputation as a fearsome predator in the sea.

Idioms with the word SHARK

  • wouldn't shout if a shark bit him The idiom "wouldn't shout if a shark bit him" is used to describe someone who is exceptionally silent or uncomplaining, even in situations that would typically elicit a strong reaction or outcry. It suggests that the person is unusually stoic, unfazed, or reluctant to express their emotions or discomfort.
  • jump the shark The idiom "jump the shark" refers to the moment when a television show, movie, or other form of entertainment reaches a point of decline, particularly in terms of quality or believability, often resulting in a loss of interest or credibility among viewers or audiences. It originated from a specific episode of the 1970s sitcom "Happy Days" in which the character Fonzie literally jumped over a shark while water skiing, widely considered as a desperate and contrived attempt to maintain viewership.
  • shark bait The idiom "shark bait" is a colloquial expression used to refer to someone who is in a vulnerable or dangerous situation, usually implying that they are at risk of being exploited or taken advantage of. It suggests that the person is an easy target, similar to prey for a shark.

Similar spelling words for SHARK

Plural form of SHARK is SHARKS

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