manta
manta Lexical Profile
manta Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A very large marine ray (genus Mobula, formerly Manta) native to temperate, subtropical, and tropical oceanic waters globally, characterized by a broad, diamond-shaped body, wing-like pectoral fins, and horn-like cephalic lobes used to funnel plankton into its mouth.
"During our dive in the Maldives, a massive oceanic manta glided gracefully above the coral reef."
American A traditional, coarse cotton fabric or a square blanket or cloak made of this material, historically woven and worn by indigenous peoples in parts of Latin America and the American Southwest.
"She purchased a beautifully woven manta at the market to wear as a shawl during the cool Andean evenings."
• Rhymes for manta
Word Origin & Etymology
From Spanish 'manta' meaning 'blanket' or 'cloak', derived from Late Latin 'mantum' (short cloak). The marine animal was named 'manta ray' because its broad, flat body floating through the water reminded sailors of a spreading blanket.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.