mare

/'meə/

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The word "mare" can have two main meanings in English, so let's explore both of them!

Meaning 1: Female Horse

1. Definition: A "mare" is a female horse, usually one that is over three years old.
2. Usage: You can use "mare" when talking about horses, especially in farming, riding, or horse racing contexts.
3. Example: "The farmer has a beautiful mare that he uses for riding."
4. Advanced Usage: In horse breeding, a "mare" is often used to refer to the female parent of a foal (a baby horse).
5. Word Variants:
   • Mares: Plural form (more than one female horse).
   • Mare's: Possessive form (belonging to a mare).

Meaning 2: Dark Region on the Moon

1. Definition: In astronomy, a "mare" (pronounced "MAH-ray") refers to a large, dark area on the surface of the Moon, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.
2. Usage: This term is often used in discussions about the Moon and space.
3. Example: "The Apollo missions explored the Sea of Tranquility, one of the most famous lunar mares."
4. Advanced Usage: The term "mare" comes from the Latin word for "sea," and several lunar mares have names derived from this, such as Mare Imbrium (Sea of Rains).
5. Word Variants: The plural form is "maria" (pronounced "MAH-ree-uh").

Different Meanings

• Mare (female horse): Common in everyday language and equestrian contexts.
• Mare (lunar surface): More specialized, used in astronomy.

Synonyms

• For the horse meaning: "female horse," "dam" (in breeding contexts).
• For the lunar meaning: "lunar plain," but this is less commonly used.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically using "mare," but in horse-related contexts, you might hear phrases like "to mare up" meaning to prepare a mare for breeding.

Summary

• Mare as a noun can refer to a female horse or a dark region on the Moon.

Academic

Noun

1. a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon
2. female equine animal

Synonyms

• maria
• female horse