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porpoise
[ pawr-puhs ]
noun
- any of several small, gregarious cetacean mammals of the genus Phocoena, usually blackish above and paler beneath, and having a blunt, rounded snout, especially the common porpoise, P. phocoena, of both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
verb (used without object)
- (of a speeding motorboat) to leap clear of the water after striking a wave.
- (of a torpedo) to appear above the surface of the water.
- to move forward with a rising and falling motion in the manner of a porpoise:
The car has a tendency to porpoise when overloaded.
porpoise
/ ˈɔːə /
noun
- any of various small cetacean mammals of the genus Phocaena and related genera, having a blunt snout and many teeth: family Delphinidae (or Phocaenidae )
- not in technical use any of various related cetaceans, esp the dolphin
Other Word Forms
- ǰpǾ· adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of porpoise1
Word History and Origins
Origin of porpoise1
Example Sentences
It is unclear why dolphins attack porpoises but experts say it could be an aggressive response to feeding competition or misdirected sexual aggression.
Within the wider marine environment at this time of year there are breeding seals and harbour porpoises.
Henry V of Shakespearean fame, hosted a feast that offered 40 different types of fish, including roast porpoise.
The Santa Barbara Channel is a unique stretch of California coastline home to over 25 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The bay is also home to harbour porpoise, Atlantic grey seals and a variety of bird life including razorbills and guillemots.
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