ENGLISH
REFERENCE

otter

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɑtɝ// UK //ˈɒtɐ// ot·ter Archaic Slang

n. a small animal with brown fur and short legs that lives in or near water and eats fish. They are known for being very playful and good at swimming.

n. a semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal of the subfamily Lutrinae, characterised by dense fur, webbed feet, and a streamlined body. Often used in informal contexts to describe a slender, hairy man within the LGBTQ+ community.


SIMPLE

The otter swam quickly across the river to catch a fish.

CONTEXTUAL

While hiking along the riverbank, we spotted a family of otters playing in the shallow water near the rocks.

COMPLEX

Conservation efforts have successfully reintroduced the river otter to several habitats where pollution and overhunting had previously led to local extinction.

Usage

The plural form is typically 'otters', though 'otter' can occasionally be used as a collective noun in hunting or sporting contexts.

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