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walrus Definition

wal·rus (wôl′rəs)

noun pl. -·ruses or -·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

walrus Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • see: We'll head out toward Moffen Island, where we'll see regal Walruses hauled out on this vast ring of shingle.
  • attack: Personal observations of polar bears stalking and attacking young walrus are noted.

Adjective modifier

  • dead: Polar bears will also eat any dead walruses or whales they find.
  • male: A trained male walrus was rewarded to distinguish between triangular and circular shapes on a flat and a heterogenous substrate.
  • big: I think he was a big, fat daddy walrus.
  • young: Tusks indicate age as the tusks of young walruses do not become visible for at least a year and a half after birth.
  • giant: She has fought giant radioactive walruses in Russia, and faced stampeding buffalo in China.

Modifies a noun

  • tusk: The props on Comer's desk include period pipes, maps, and a walrus tusk.
  • mustache: JM Barrie was a big guy with a walrus mustache.
  • ivory: Dice were made of antler for the most part, although examples of bone, walrus ivory and jet are also known.
  • predation: This comparison allows a demonstration of the effect of walrus predation on the size structure of bivalve prey species.
walrus Quotes

   The Walrus and the Carpenter Were walking close at hand; They wept like anything to see Such quantities of sand: 'If this were only cleared away,' They said,'it would be grand!'

—Dodgson