How Do You Spell GORILLA?

Pronunciation: [ɡəɹˈɪlə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "gorilla" is straightforward, with a phonetic transcription of /ɡəˈrɪlə/. The first syllable is pronounced with a soft "g" sound and a Schwa vowel sound. The second syllable features an "i" sound, followed by the "l" consonant sound. The final syllable consists of a short "a" sound, followed by another Schwa vowel sound. The word "gorilla" is derived from Greek, and it refers to a large primate found in Africa that belongs to the ape family, and is closely related to humans.

GORILLA Meaning and Definition

  1. A gorilla is a large, powerful, and primarily herbivorous primate species hailing from the family Hominidae. They are native to the dense forests of central and western Africa. Known for their immense size and strength, gorillas possess a robust build with thick, muscular bodies covered in dark hair. Males, referred to as silverbacks, are particularly conspicuous due to the grayish tint that develops on their backs as they mature.

    Gorillas exhibit distinctive physical features such as a huge head, long arms, and a massive jaw with prominent canine teeth. They also possess opposable thumbs and share a high degree of genetic similarity with humans. Gorillas are highly dexterous, displaying complex social behavior and advanced cognitive abilities.

    While gorillas are primarily herbivorous in their diet, predominantly feeding on fruits, leaves, shoots, and bark, they occasionally consume insects and small animals. They primarily dwell in groups called troops or bands, led by a dominant silverback male that is responsible for guarding and defending the group. Gorillas employ a range of vocalizations, including grunts, roars, and barks, to communicate within their troop and assert dominance or warn of potential threats.

    Due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease, gorillas face numerous threats and are currently classified as critically endangered. Conservation efforts aim to protect their natural habitat and prevent further decline in their population, as they play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem diversity and balance.

  2. A large creature of the ape kind, most nearly resembling man, and as large, remarkable for its strength and ferocity.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for GORILLA *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for GORILLA

Etymology of GORILLA

The word "gorilla" is believed to have originated from the Greek word "gorillai", which was documented by the ancient Carthaginian explorer, Hanno the Navigator, around 500 BC. "Gorillai" referred to a mythical tribe of hairy women mentioned in Hanno's account of his journey along the west coast of Africa. Later, when European explorers encountered actual gorillas, they may have associated the name "gorilla" with the descriptions given by Hanno, leading to the adoption of the term for the primate species.

Idioms with the word GORILLA

  • 800-pound gorilla The idiom "800-pound gorilla" refers to a powerful or dominant force that is impossible to ignore or overlook in a particular situation or context. It can represent a person, organization, or entity that possesses substantial influence, often demonstrating their control, strength, or presence in a given area. The term typically implies that this force is a significant factor that impacts the outcome or dynamics of a situation.
  • gorilla pills
  • gorilla juice
  • gorilla biscuits "gorilla biscuits" is a slang term for large, powerful muscles, especially in the arms and chest. It can also refer to a type of bodybuilding supplement.

Similar spelling words for GORILLA

Plural form of GORILLA is GORILLAS

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