porpoise background

porpoise

/pɔːˈpɔɪs/ /ˈpɔːɹpəs/

Illustration porpoise - Image 1

noun

Marsouin

A small cetacean of the family Phocoenidae, related to dolphins and whales.

Examples :

"The marine biologist observed a playful porpoise near the research vessel. "

Le biologiste marin a observé un marsouin joueur près du navire de recherche.

animal ocean biology nature fish

Illustration porpoise - Image 1

noun

Marsouin

(imprecisely) Any small dolphin.

Examples :

"The marine park had dolphins and a porpoise, which is like a smaller kind of dolphin. "

Le parc marin avait des dauphins et un marsouin, qui est une sorte de dauphin plus petit.

animal ocean fish biology nature

Illustration porpoise - Image 1

Illustration porpoise - Image 2

verb

Faire des sauts hors de l'eau

Said of an air-breathing aquatic animal such as a porpoise or penguin: To repeatedly jump out of the water to take a breath and dive back in a continuous motion.

Examples :

"The dolphins porpoised playfully, leaping repeatedly out of the water and diving back in. "

Les dauphins faisaient des sauts joyeux, sautant à plusieurs reprises hors de l'eau et replongeant.

animal biology ocean nature action

Illustration porpoise - Image 1

Illustration porpoise - Image 2

verb

Faire des embardées

Said of an aircraft: to make a series of plunges when taking off or landing; or of a watercraft: to successively plunge up and down in the water.

Examples :

"The small seaplane began to porpoise violently as it attempted to land on the choppy lake, making it difficult for the pilot to control. "

Le petit hydravion a commencé à faire des embardées violentes alors qu'il tentait d'atterrir sur le lac agité, ce qui rendait difficile le contrôle pour le pilote.

nautical vehicle sailing technology