Background for dolphin

dolphin

/ˈdɒlfɪn/ /ˈdɑlfɪn/

Illustration dolphin - Image 1

Illustration dolphin - Image 2

noun

A carnivorous aquatic mammal in one of several families of order Cetacea, famed for its intelligence and occasional willingness to approach humans.

Examples :

"While visiting the aquarium, the children were excited to see a dolphin leap out of the water. "

animal fish biology ocean nature

Illustration dolphin - Image 1

noun

A fish, the mahi-mahi or dorado, Coryphaena hippurus, with a dorsal fin that runs the length of the body, also known for iridescent coloration.

Examples :

"The dolphin, a fish with a long dorsal fin, was a popular subject for drawings in the kids' art class. "

fish animal food ocean biology nature

Illustration dolphin - Image 1

noun

A depiction of a fish, with a broad indented fin, usually embowed.

Examples :

"The child's drawing of a dolphin showed a fish with a wide, curved fin at the back. "

animal fish nature ocean biology

Illustration dolphin - Image 1

noun

The dauphin, eldest son of the kings of France.

Examples :

"Historians often discuss the role of the Dauphin in French royal families. "

history royal family person title state

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noun

(history) A mass of iron or lead hung from the yardarm, in readiness to be dropped through the deck and the hull of an enemy's vessel to sink it.

Examples :

"The captain ordered the dolphin to be prepared for the upcoming battle. "

nautical military weapon sailing war history

Illustration dolphin - Image 1

noun

A kind of wreath or strap of plaited cordage.

Examples :

"The craftsman carefully wove the dolphin, a decorative plaited cord, into the rug's border. "

Illustration dolphin - Image 1

noun

A spar or buoy held by an anchor and furnished with a ring to which ships may fasten their cables.

Examples :

"The ship's captain used the dolphin to secure the anchor and keep it from drifting. "

nautical sailing ocean

Illustration dolphin - Image 1

noun

A mooring post on a wharf or beach.

Examples :

"The small fishing boat bumped gently against the dolphin as it docked at the harbor. "

nautical building

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noun

A permanent fender around a heavy boat just below the gunwale.

Examples :

"The tugboat's dolphin, a thick rubber bumper along its side, prevented damage as it nudged the larger cargo ship into the dock. "

nautical sailing vehicle

Illustration dolphin - Image 1

noun

One of the handles above the trunnions by which a gun was lifted.

Examples :

"The artillery crew carefully attached ropes to the dolphins of the cannon to lift it onto the carriage. "

nautical military weapon part

Illustration dolphin - Image 1

noun

Examples :

"The harbor workers installed a dolphin to prevent the cargo ship from drifting too close to the shallows. "

nautical structure technical ocean sailing