Porpoise
['pɔːpəs;'pɒpɒɪs] or ['pɔrpəs]
Definition
(noun.) any of several small gregarious cetacean mammals having a blunt snout and many teeth.
Typed by Lloyd--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) Any small cetacean of the genus Phocaena, especially P. communis, or P. phocaena, of Europe, and the closely allied American species (P. Americana). The color is dusky or blackish above, paler beneath. They are closely allied to the dolphins, but have a shorter snout. Called also harbor porpoise, herring hag, puffing pig, and snuffer.
(n.) A true dolphin (Delphinus); -- often so called by sailors.
Checked by Alden
Definition
n. a genus of Cetecea in the family Delphinid 4 to 8 feet long gregarious affording oil and leather—anciently Por′pess.
Typist: Sharif
Unserious Contents or Definition
To see a porpoise in your dreams, denotes enemies are thrusting your interest aside, through your own inability to keep people interested in you.
Checker: Williams
Examples
- The _Mosasaurs_ were a third group of great porpoise-like marine lizards. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- Golz knew that once they had passed overhead and on, the bombs would fall, looking like porpoises in the air as they tumbled. Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom The Bell Tolls.
- We saw the usual sharks, blackfish, porpoises, &c. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
Inputed by Elliot