ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gorilla

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ɡɝˈɪɫə// UK //ɡəɹˈɪlɐ// go·ril·la Informal Slang

n. the largest type of ape, which lives in the forests of central Africa. They are very strong, have dark hair, and live in family groups.

n. a large, powerful anthropoid ape native to the forests of central Africa. It is the largest living primate and is characterised by a robust build and dark fur.


SIMPLE

The gorilla ate leaves and bamboo in the forest.

CONTEXTUAL

Visitors at the zoo watched the silverback gorilla lead his family group across the enclosure.

COMPLEX

Conservation efforts in Rwanda have led to a gradual increase in the population of mountain gorillas, though habitat loss remains a significant threat to their long-term survival.

Origin

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.

Usage

Commonly used in the collective plural 'gorillas' when discussing the species as a whole.

Idioms2 entries

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