elephant
/ˈɛlɪfənt/
NOUN
1. A large mammal with a trunk and tusks
A very large herbivorous mammal belonging to the family Elephantidae, characterized by a long muscular trunk, large ears, thick legs, and usually prominent tusks.
1.1. A member of the elephant family
A large land mammal native to Africa and Asia, recognized by its distinctive trunk, massive body, large ears, and social behavior.
Synonyms
- pachyderm
- tusker
Examples
- The elephant used its trunk to pull leaves from the trees.
- A herd of elephants crossed the grassland in search of water.
- The sanctuary provides a safe environment for rescued elephants.
Related Words
- mammal
- proboscidean
- African elephant
- Asian elephant
- tusk
- trunk
- herbivore
- ivory
NOUN
2. An exceptionally large or massive thing
Something unusually large, bulky, powerful, or imposing, often compared figuratively to the enormous size and weight of an elephant.
2.1. An extremely large object or structure
A physical object, structure, or creation distinguished by its enormous size, weight, or imposing appearance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- dwarf
- mite
- miniature
- diminutive
Examples
- The new industrial machine was an elephant of steel and machinery.
- The enormous building stood like an elephant among the surrounding houses.
- The company purchased an elephant of a vehicle for transporting heavy equipment.
Related Words
- enormity
- bulk
- massiveness
- monument
- heavyweight
- juggernaut
2.2. A powerful or dominant organization or entity
A large and influential organization, institution, or enterprise whose size and power make it particularly prominent or difficult to challenge.
Synonyms
- behemoth
- giant
- goliath
- juggernaut
- titan
- heavyweight
Antonyms
Examples
- The technology elephant dominates several markets around the world.
- The small startup struggled to compete against the industry elephant.
- The retail elephant acquired several smaller businesses.
Related Words
- corporation
- conglomerate
- powerhouse
- monopoly
- institution
- dominance
NOUN
3. A unit of time used when counting seconds
An informal counting expression used to estimate one second, particularly in the phrase 'one elephant, two elephants' to maintain a roughly one-second interval between counts.
3.1. A word used to estimate a one-second interval
A traditional counting technique in which the word elephant is added after each number to make the spoken count last approximately one second.
Synonyms
- counting word
- timing phrase
Examples
- Count one elephant, two elephants, and three elephants to estimate the elapsed time.
- She used the elephant counting method to estimate a short interval.
- The instructor suggested saying one elephant between each repetition.
Related Words
- second
- counting
- time estimation
- interval
- mental timing
NOUN
4. Ivory obtained from elephant tusks
The hard, dense material forming elephant tusks, traditionally used for carving and ornamental objects.
4.1. Elephant tusk material
The ivory substance derived from the tusks of elephants, historically valued for its smooth texture and suitability for decorative carving.
Synonyms
- ivory
- tusk ivory
Examples
- The museum displayed an antique carving made from elephant ivory.
- International regulations restrict the trade in elephant ivory.
- Conservation groups work to protect elephants from illegal ivory hunting.
Related Words
NOUN
5. A large format of drawing or printing paper
A historical size designation for large sheets of paper, traditionally measuring approximately 23 by 28 inches, with variations depending on the paper standard.
5.1. A large sheet of paper for printing or drawing
A traditional paper size used in printing, illustration, and artistic work, with related formats including double elephant, which is substantially larger.
Synonyms
- elephant paper
Examples
- The artist selected elephant paper for the large-scale illustration.
- The printer stocked several traditional paper sizes, including elephant.
- The historical document was printed on a sheet of elephant paper.
Related Words
- paper size
- drawing paper
- printing paper
- double elephant
- folio
- sheet