walrus Hear it!

walrus definition

wal·rus (wôl′rəs)

noun pl. walruses -·ruses or walrus -·rus

a massive, arctic sea carnivore (Odobenus rosmarus) of the same family (Otariidae) as the eared seals, having two tusks projecting from the upper jaw, a thick mustache, a very thick hide, and a heavy layer of blubber

Etymology: Du < Dan hvalros, prob. by metathesis < ON hrosshvalr, lit., horse whale < hross, akin to OE hros, horse + hvalr, whale

adjective

of, characteristic of, or suggestive of a walrus; specif., designating a mustache with long, drooping ends

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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