gorilla
n.-
1 the animal (n.) A2 Elementarya very large, strong ape with black hair that lives in the forests of Africa.
a large, powerful primate of the genus Gorilla, native to the tropical forests of equatorial Africa.
ExampleWe watched a documentary about how a family of gorillas lives in the mountains.
ExampleConservation efforts in the region have led to a modest increase in the population of mountain gorillas despite ongoing habitat loss.
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2 a tough person (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informala big, strong, and sometimes scary man who might be a guard or a bully.
a large, physically imposing, or brutish man, often implying a role as a thug or enforcer.
ExampleThe club owner hired a couple of gorillas to stand by the door and check IDs.
ExampleThe politician was always flanked by a pair of silent gorillas who discouraged any journalists from approaching too closely.
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3 a powerful organization (n.) C1 Advanced Informala very large and powerful company that dominates its market.
a dominant person or organization within a specific field; a market leader with overwhelming influence.
ExampleIt is hard for a small startup to compete with a 500-pound gorilla like that tech giant.
ExampleThe merger created an 800-pound gorilla in the telecommunications sector, effectively stifling competition for several years.
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4 one thousand pounds (n.) C2 Proficiency British English Slanga slang term for one thousand pounds.
a slang term representing one thousand units of currency, specifically pounds sterling.
ExampleThe repairs on his car are going to cost him at least a gorilla.
ExampleHe managed to sell the vintage motorbike for a couple of gorillas, which was more than he had originally expected.
From Ancient Greek Γόριλλαι (Górillai, “Gorillai (a tribe of hairy women)”), described by Hanno the Navigator, a Carthaginian navigator and possible visitor to the area that later became Sierra Leone; the Greek word is likely from Punic, and ultimately from an African language.