grampus

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
  2. noun slaty-grey blunt-nosed dolphin common in northern seas

Etymology

From Middle English *grampas, grappays, grapas, graspeys, from Anglo-Norman grampais, Old French graspois, craspois (“whale, (salted) whale meat; blubber; seal”), from Medieval Latin craspicis (literally “fat fish”), from Latin crassus (“fat”) + piscis (“fish”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

killer whale, killer, orca, sea wolf, Orcinus orca

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