belukha
belukha Lexical Profile
• noun
The highest mountain peak of the Altai Mountains, located in the Altai Republic of southern Russia near the Kazakhstan border, characterized by its permanent glaciers and prominent twin peaks.
A rare alternative spelling of beluga, the small, toothed white whale native to Arctic and subarctic waters.
"The 19th-century explorer's journal recorded a sighting of a pod of belukhas navigating the icy waters."
Word Nuance & Usage
In standard English, 'belukha' is primarily used as a proper noun for the Altai mountain; when referring to the Arctic whale or the sturgeon, the spelling 'beluga' is overwhelmingly preferred.
• Rhymes for belukha
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Russian 'белуха' (belukha), which derives from 'белый' (belyy), meaning 'white'. It describes both the permanent snow cover of the Altai mountain and the pale color of the Arctic whale.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.