orca

[ awr-kuh ]

noun

1. the killer whale, Orcinus orca.

orca

/ ˈɔːkə /

noun

1. a killer whale

Word History and Origins

Origin of orca¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin, former taxonomic name, from Latin, a kind of whale, perhaps a grampus, from Greek óryga (accusative of óryx ), a kind of large fish, perhaps a narwhal. The g became c under the influence of Latin orca, a kind of large earthenware vessel with a narrow neck; orc

Word History and Origins

Origin of orca¹

C20: Latin

Example Sentences

She said as Cardigan Bay was shallow, being about 60m at its deepest, it meant the dolphins had no predators, such as orcas or sharks.

From BBC

"The Tibetan lama said the main thing the orcas can teach us is how to breathe."

From Salon

Despite claims of being a climate leader and steward of endangered southern resident orcas, the Canadian government quickly purchased the incomplete heavy oil pipeline for $3.3 billion, insisting it was in the national interest.

From Seattle Times

A new study has confirmed a long-held assumption: that orcas take just one breath between dives.

From Science Daily

She wore a black and white swimsuit — an attempt to fool sharks into thinking she might be an orca — and a swim cap with a light on it, so her support team could see her.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mammal
• porpoise