Dolphin
/ˈdɒl.fɪn/noun
A highly intelligent marine mammal known for its playful behavior and acrobatic displays.
Did you know?The word 'dolphin' comes from Greek 'delphis', related to 'delphus', meaning 'womb', reflecting the creature's nurturing nature in ancient mythology.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰel-
“to swell, to be full, or to be pregnant.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
δέλφις (delphis)
“the name for the dolphin, possibly referring to its womb-like shape.”
Latin
Latin
delphinus
“the dolphin, derived from the Greek term.”
Old French
Old French
delfin
“the dolphin, borrowed from Latin.”
Middle English
Middle English
dolfyn
“the dolphin, influenced by Old French.”
Modern English
English
dolphin
“the modern term for the marine mammal, retaining its earlier roots.”
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