razorback
razorback Lexical Profile
razorback Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A lean, long-legged feral or semi-wild hog (Sus scrofa) found especially in the southeastern and south-central United States, characterized by a narrow, sharply ridged back.
"The wildlife biologist tracked a family of wild razorbacks foraging for acorns along the edge of the oak forest."
A large, slender baleen whale, specifically the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), noted for the prominent ridge along its back behind the dorsal fin.
"Researchers aboard the vessel spotted a massive razorback surfacing near the continental shelf."
A steep, narrow hill or mountain ridge with a sharp, rocky crest.
"The hiking trail ascended a steep, windswept razorback overlooking the canyon below."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the mid-19th century, this compound of 'razor' and 'back' originally referred to the sharp, prominent spinal ridge of feral hogs in the southern United States and the fin whale.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.