pygmy elephant

noun

1
: a small African elephant that has been considered a separate species (Loxodonta pumilio) but is now typically considered a variant of the elephant which inhabits rain forests of central and western Africa
2
: a small Asian elephant (Elaphus maximus borneensis) of northern Borneo

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pygmy elephant was in 1912

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Dictionary Entries Near pygmy elephant

Cite this Entry

“Pygmy elephant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pygmy%20elephant. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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