mammoth

/'mæmθə/

Friendly

Explanation of the Word "Mammoth"

Part of Speech: - Adjective: Describes something that is extremely large or huge. - Noun: Refers to a type of large, extinct elephant that lived long ago.

Definition

1. As an Adjective:

   • "Mammoth" means something that is very big or enormous. It is often used to describe an object, task, or concept that is much larger than normal.
   • Examples:

2. As a Noun:

   • A "mammoth" is an extinct elephant that lived during the Pleistocene era. These animals were known for their large size, hairy coats, and long, curved tusks.
   • Example:

Usage Instructions

• Adjective Usage: Use "mammoth" when you want to emphasize the size or extent of something. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Noun Usage: Use "mammoth" when discussing paleontology or ancient animals, or when referring to the extinct species.

Advanced Usage

• The term "mammoth" can also be used metaphorically to describe anything that is overwhelmingly large or significant, such as a "mammoth corporation" indicating a very large company.

Word Variants

• Mammothian (adjective): An uncommon variant that also means large or enormous.
• Mammoths (plural noun): Referring to more than one mammoth.

Different Meanings

• Primarily, "mammoth" refers to size or an extinct animal, but it can also imply something that is overwhelming or daunting.

Synonyms

• Adjective: gigantic, enormous, colossal, huge, vast
• Noun: woolly mammoth (specific type), pachyderm (general term for thick-skinned animals)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• No specific idioms or phrasal verbs are directly associated with "mammoth," but you might encounter phrases like "mammoth undertaking," which emphasizes that a task is very large and challenging.

Summary

In summary, "mammoth" is a versatile word that can describe anything extremely large or refer to a significant prehistoric creature.

Academic

Adjective

1. so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth
   • a gigantic redwood
   • gigantic disappointment
   • a mammoth ship
   • a mammoth multinational corporation

Noun

1. any of numerous extinct elephants widely distributed in the Pleistocene; extremely large with hairy coats and long upcurved tusks

Synonyms

• gigantic