orca

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

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin orca (“tun, cask; whale”), see there for more. Although the origin is obscure, the sometimes-cited association with orcus (“underworld”) is folk-etymology. Doublet of orc.

In classic literature

Synonyms

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

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