rhinoceros

[ rahy-nos-er-uhs ]

noun

, plural rhi·noc·er·os·es, (especially collectively) rhi·noc·er·os.

1. any of several large, thick-skinned, perissodactyl mammals of the family Rhinocerotidae, of Africa and India, having one or two upright horns on the snout: all rhinoceroses are endangered.
2. Douay Bible. unicorn ( def 4 ).

rhinoceros

/ ˌraɪnəʊsɪˈrɒtɪk; raɪˈnɒsərəs; -ˈnɒsrəs /

noun

1. any of several perissodactyl mammals constituting the family Rhinocerotidae of SE Asia and Africa and having either one horn on the nose, like the Indian rhinoceros ( Rhinoceros unicornis ), or two horns, like the African white rhinoceros ( Diceros simus ) They have a very thick skin, massive body, and three digits on each foot

Derived Forms

• rhinocerotic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhinoceros¹

1300–50; Middle English rinoceros < Late Latin rhīnoceros < Greek rhīnókerōs, equivalent to rhīno- rhino- + -kerōs -horned, adj. derivative of kéras horn (of an animal)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhinoceros¹

C13: via Latin from Greek rhinokerōs , from rhis nose + keras horn

Example Sentences

There are "heavily armed gladiators riding a charging rhinoceros" and "wounded men tumbling from boats into the jaws of ravenous sharks" during the nautical battle staged in the flooded pit of the Colosseum.

From BBC

The subsequent report said: "Rhinoceros were over stocked, they had insufficient grazing and individuals were often confined inside or outside for excessive periods."

From BBC

Other productions announced include 1536, set in Tudor England, and Rhinoceros, about a new disease which threatens humanity.

From BBC

It was the ninth Banksy to appear in as many days in London and follows images of a goat, elephants, monkeys, a wolf, pelicans, a cat, piranhas and a rhinoceros.

From BBC

His latest work follows images that have popped up each morning since 5 August across London of a goat, elephants, monkeys, a wolf, pelicans, a cat, piranhas and a rhinoceros.

From BBC