noun
pachyderm
PAK-ee-durm/ˈpækidɜːrm/
A large, thick-skinned mammal, especially an elephant.
The pachyderm stands in the grassland, showing its thick, folded skin.
Etymology
The pieces describe a “thick-skinned” animal, highlighting a conspicuous feature of elephants and similar mammals. The former zoological grouping is no longer used, but its descriptive name survives in ordinary language.
More examples
- An elephant is the largest pachyderm at this zoo.
- Rhinoceroses and hippos are also commonly called pachyderms.
- The keeper brings fresh branches to the hungry pachyderm.
Forms
pachyderm · pachyderms
Similar words
- elephant
- Specifically names the trunked animal most often called a pachyderm.