DODO Meaning and
Definition
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The term "dodo" refers to an extinct, flightless bird that once inhabited the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It is widely recognized for its peculiar appearance and is emblematic of avian extinction. The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) belonged to the pigeon and dove family and is the most renowned example of a species driven to extinction due to human activity.
Characterized by a plump body and short wings, the dodo stood approximately three feet tall, with a distinctive curved beak, small wings, and stout legs. Its head was adorned with a crest of curly feathers. The dodo had a unique adaptation of not needing to fear predators on its isolated island, leading to its inability to fly. However, this also rendered it defenseless and vulnerable when humans and introduced species arrived on Mauritius.
Initially described by sailors in the late 16th century, the dodo was hunted for its meat, as it had no instinctive fear of humans. Combined with habitat destruction and the introduction of invasive species, such as rats and monkeys, the dodo population rapidly diminished. The last confirmed sighting of a live dodo occurred in the mid-17th century, and it is widely believed that the bird became extinct by the end of that century.
The dodo's unfortunate fate serves as a stark reminder of humanity's impact on vulnerable species and the importance of conservation efforts to prevent further extinctions.
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An extinct bird. At the discovery of the island of Mauritius, in 1598, the dodo was very abundant there.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DODO *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DODO
Etymology of DODO
The word "dodo" has an uncertain etymology. It is believed to have originated from either Dutch or Portuguese, possibly as a combination of different sources.
One theory suggests that the Dutch word "dodaars" was used to describe a similar bird, the little grebe. The Dutch term "dodaars" means "fat-arse" or "plump buttocks" in English, referring to the rounded shape of the bird. It is thought that this term was mistakenly applied to the dodo due to its similarly plump appearance.
Another theory suggests a Portuguese origin, coming from the word "doudo" which means "fool" or "simpleton" in English. This could have been used to describe the bird's lack of fear towards humans, as it had no natural predators on its native island of Mauritius.
Idioms with the word DODO
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dead as a/the dodo
The idiom "dead as a/the dodo" refers to something that is extinct or no longer existing. It originates from the dodo bird, a flightless bird that became extinct in the 17th century. The phrase is used to emphasize the finality or irreversibility of something's demise.
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(as) dead as a dodo
The idiom "(as) dead as a dodo" means that something or someone is completely and irrevocably dead, extinct, or non-existent. It suggests that there is no hope or possibility of revival, much like the dodo bird, which is an extinct species.
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go the way of the dodo
The idiom "go the way of the dodo" means to become extinct or disappear gradually, much like the dodo bird, which went extinct in the late 17th century. It refers to something, usually a concept, a skill, or even a species, that becomes obsolete or irrelevant over time, leading to its eventual demise or disappearance.
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be as dead as a dodo
The idiom "be as dead as a dodo" means to be completely extinct or obsolete. It refers to the dodo, a flightless bird that was native to the island of Mauritius and became extinct in the late 17th century due to hunting and habitat destruction.
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dead as a (or the) dodo
The idiom "dead as a (or the) dodo" means completely extinct, lifeless, or obsolete. It refers to the dodo bird, a flightless bird that once inhabited the island of Mauritius but became extinct in the late 17th century due to human activity. The phrase is often used to describe something or someone that has ceased to exist or is no longer relevant or in use.
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(as) dead as a/the dodo
The idiom "(as) dead as a/the dodo" means completely extinct or obsolete. It is derived from the dodo bird, a flightless bird that once inhabited the island of Mauritius but became extinct in the late 17th century due to human activity. The phrase is used to describe something or someone that has no chance of revival or comeback.
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be (as) dead as a/the dodo
The idiom "be (as) dead as a/the dodo" means to be completely and irrevocably extinct or lifeless. It originates from the dodo, a flightless bird native to the island of Mauritius, which became extinct around the late 17th century due to human actions. The phrase is often used to describe something or someone that has no chance of revival or recovery.
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dead as a dodo
The idiom "dead as a dodo" refers to something or someone that is lifeless, extinct, or no longer relevant or functional. It originates from the dodo, a flightless bird that once inhabited the island of Mauritius but became extinct in the late 17th century due to human activity.
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dumb-dodo
Similar spelling words for DODO
- dote,
- dowd,
- Dodd,
- dowdy,
- doody,
- dod,
- Doty,
- doodia,
- doud,
- dot,
- dodos.
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