orca (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈorka/

Translation Options into English

• Orca
• Killer whale

Meaning and Usage

The word "orca" refers to a large marine mammal known scientifically as Orcinus orca, commonly recognized as the killer whale. It is part of the dolphin family and is renowned for its distinctive black and white coloring, intelligence, and complex social structures.

In the Spanish language, "orca" is primarily used in zoological contexts and is understood predominantly in written and spoken Spanish. Its frequency is moderate, commonly appearing in discussions related to marine biology, conservation efforts, and wildlife awareness. The term is utilized more often in written contexts like scientific texts or articles about marine life, but can also frequently appear in oral conversations related to these themes.

Example Sentences

1. La orca es uno de los mamíferos marinos más inteligentes y sociales.

2. The orca is one of the most intelligent and social marine mammals.

3. Durante nuestra visita al acuario, vimos a una orca realizando trucos sorprendentes.

4. During our visit to the aquarium, we saw an orca performing amazing tricks.

5. La caza de orcas ha sido un tema controversial en la conservación marina.

6. The hunting of orcas has been a controversial topic in marine conservation.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "orca" itself may not be a part of many idiomatic expressions, animals in general commonly feature in Spanish idioms and sayings. Here are a few expressions that incorporate animals, showcasing the cultural significance of wildlife like the orca:

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. "A buen hambre no hay mal pan" (A good hunger knows no bad bread), a phrase that can be illustrated with:
2. "Como la orca que se adapta a lo que encuentra en el océano."

3. "Like the orca that adapts to what it finds in the ocean."

4. "Cuando el río suena, agua lleva" (Where there's smoke, there's fire):

5. "Si una orca está cerca, algo debe estar pasando."

6. "If an orca is nearby, something must be going on."

7. "Más vale tarde que nunca" (Better late than never):

8. "La orca puede ser lenta en el océano, pero siempre llega a su destino."
9. "The orca might be slow in the ocean, but it always reaches its destination."

Etymology

The term "orca" comes from the Latin word orcinus, which means "of the underworld." It is believed that the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder referred to these creatures as "Orca." The word has roots in various cultures, as observed through its usage in different languages, often denoting the same marine animal.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Ballena asesina (Killer whale)
• Cetáceo (Cetacean)

Antonyms

• Pez (Fish): Although not a direct antonym, it represents a different category within marine life.
• Mamífero terrestre (Terrestrial mammal): Distinguishes it from mammals that live on land.

In conclusion, while "orca" is primarily recognized as a noun referring to a specific marine mammal, it holds a broader significance in discussions about marine life, conservation, and cultural expressions about nature in the Spanish-speaking world.