hippopotamus

Everyday

1. A hippopotamus is a very large, heavy African animal with thick grey skin, a huge mouth and short legs, which spends most of the day in rivers and lakes. tree →
2. People usually call it a hippo for short. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, the hippo shows how animals adapt: its eyes, ears and nostrils are on top of its head so it can see and breathe while almost under water. In safety and nature facts, hippos look slow and friendly but are among the most dangerous animals in Africa. In stories and songs, hippos are often funny characters. Phrases: «as big as a hippo», «hungry hippos».

Examples

• The hippopotamus wallowed in the muddy river. tree →
• Hippos can't really swim; they walk along the river bottom. tree →
• A hippo's yawn shows its huge teeth. tree →
• The word «hippopotamus» means «river horse». tree →
• Hippos come out at night to eat grass. tree →
• Hippos are very dangerous if you get too close. tree →
• We saw a baby hippo at the zoo. tree →
• Then, of course, no one expects hippopotamuses to jump. tree →

Note

Plural: hippopotamuses or hippopotami; short form plural: hippos. The name is from Greek «hippos» (horse) + «potamos» (river), but it is not related to horses; its closest living relatives are whales.