Gnu

Pronunciation: /njuː/

Definitions of gnu

noun A large African antelope with a long head, a beard and mane, and a sloping back.

Example Sentences

A1 A gnu is a type of large antelope found in Africa.

A2 The gnu is known for its distinctive appearance with a dark mane and beard.

B1 During the migration season, thousands of wildebeest, also known as gnus, travel across the savannah.

B2 The gnu population has been steadily increasing due to conservation efforts in recent years.

C1 Researchers have been studying the behavior and social structure of gnus in their natural habitat.

C2 The gnu's role in the ecosystem as a keystone species has been well-documented in scientific literature.

Examples of gnu in a Sentence

formal The gnu is a large African antelope with a long head and beard.

informal I saw a gnu at the zoo last weekend.

slang That gnu is one funky looking animal!

figurative The team worked together like a herd of gnus, moving in unison towards their goal.

Grammatical Forms of gnu

• past tense: gnued
• plural: gnus
• comparative: more gnu
• superlative: most gnu
• present tense: gnu
• future tense: will gnu
• perfect tense: have gnued
• continuous tense: is gnu-ing
• singular: gnu
• positive degree: gnu
• infinitive: to gnu
• gerund: gnuing
• participle: gnued

Origin and Evolution of gnu

First Known Use: 1777 year

Language of Origin: Khoikhoi

Story behind the word: The word 'gnu' originates from the Khoikhoi language of Southern Africa, specifically the Hottentot language.

Evolution of the word: The term 'gnu' was first recorded in English in 1777 by the explorer and naturalist Francis Masson. Over time, the word has become commonly used to refer to the large antelope species found in Africa known as wildebeest.