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Definition of pachyderm

pachyderm

/ˈpæk.ɪˌdɝːm/
pach · y · derm
Plural:pachyderms
•
Adjective:pachydermatous
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pachyderm Lexical Profile

pachyderm Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any very large, thick-skinned, hoofed mammal native to Africa and Asia, specifically an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus.

Example

"The wildlife sanctuary provides acres of open savanna where rescued pachyderms can roam freely."

2

A person who is emotionally insensitive, callous, or impervious to criticism and slights.

Example

"Only a political pachyderm could endure months of relentless media scrutiny without showing any sign of distress."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pachyderm

Word Nuance & Usage

While originally a formal taxonomic grouping (order Pachydermata), the term is now obsolete in modern evolutionary biology and is used primarily in everyday or journalistic prose as an expressive synonym for an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus.

• Rhymes for pachyderm

• Nearby Words

pachira
pachycare
pachycephalosaurus
pachyderm
pachygyria
pachysandra
pachystachys

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 19th century from French pachyderme, coined by zoologist Georges Cuvier from Ancient Greek pakhudermos ('thick-skinned'), combining pakhus ('thick') and derma ('skin').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pachyderm. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pachyderm
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