oryx

Everyday

An oryx is a large antelope of the deserts and dry grasslands of Africa and Arabia, with very long, straight, pointed horns and a pale coat with dark face markings. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons the oryx is an example of desert adaptation: it can go a long time without drinking, getting water from plants and dew, and its pale coat reflects the sun. The Arabian oryx died out in the wild and was brought back from zoo herds — a conservation success. Some people think oryx seen side-on, with horns overlapping, gave rise to unicorn legends. Phrases: «Arabian oryx», «scimitar-horned oryx», «a herd of oryx».

Examples

• An oryx can live in the desert without drinking for weeks. tree →
• The oryx has long, straight horns like spears. tree →
• The Arabian oryx was saved by breeding them in zoos. tree →
• A herd of oryx crossed the dry plain. tree →
• The scimitar-horned oryx has curved horns. tree →
• From the side, an oryx with one horn hidden looks a bit like a unicorn. tree →

Note

Plural «oryx» or «oryxes». Use «an» before it: «an oryx». Say OR-ix.