sumatran rhinoceros
sumatran rhinoceros Lexical Profile
• noun
A critically endangered species of rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, family Rhinocerotidae) native to the dense tropical rainforests and cloud forests of Southeast Asia, particularly the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. It is distinguished by being the smallest living rhinoceros species, possessing two horns, and having a notable coat of reddish-brown hair.
"Conservationists are employing advanced breeding programs in an effort to save the Sumatran rhinoceros from extinction, as only a few dozen individuals remain in isolated forest fragments."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The name combines 'Sumatran', denoting its primary remaining habitat on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and 'rhinoceros', derived from the Greek words 'rhis' or 'rhin-' (nose) and 'keras' (horn).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.