Elephant
1. (Science: zoology) a mammal of the order Proboscidia, of which two living species, Elephas Indicus and E. Africanus, and several fossil species, are known. They have a proboscis or trunk, and two large ivory tusks proceeding from the extremity of the upper jaw, and curving upwards. The molar teeth are large and have transverse folds. Elephants are the largest land animals now existing.
2. Ivory; the tusk of the elephant.
(Science: botany) elephant apple, the tooth shell. See dentalium.
Origin: oe. Elefaunt, olifant, OF. Olifant, f. Elephant, L. Elephantus, elephas, -antis, fr. Gr,; of unknown origin; perh. Fr. Skr. Ibha, with the Semitic article al, el, prefixed, or fr. Semitic Aleph hindi indian bull; or cf. Goth. Ulbandus camel, as. Olfend.
Dictionary > Elephant
You will also like...

Lotic Communities & Animals
A running water environment offers numerous microhabitats for many types of animals. Similar to plants, animals in lotic..

Plant Cells vs. Animal Cells
Plant cells have plastids essential in photosynthesis. They also have an additional layer called cell wall on their cell..

Human Biology – Food and Digestion
This tutorial recognizes the importance of food as a source of energy that will fuel many biological processes. A good d..

A Balanced Diet – Carbohydrates and Fat
Apart from vitamins, the human body also requires high energy sources such as carbohydrates and fats. If you want an ove..

Movement of Molecules Across Cell Membranes
Molecules move within the cell or from one cell to another through different strategies. Transport may be in the form of..

Human Reproduction
Humans are capable of only one mode of reproduction, i.e. sexual reproduction. Haploid sex cells (gametes) are produced ..