delfín

dolphin

noun dehl-FEEN Rare

Origin: From Latin delphinus, from Greek delphis.

Usage Note

Delfín also carried a historical meaning in Spanish as the title el Delfín, the heir to the French throne (from French dauphin). The plural delfines follows the regular pattern but loses the written accent because stress now falls naturally on the penultimate syllable. The word is also used colloquially for a political heir apparent.

Examples

"Vimos varios delfines desde el barco."

Natural Translation

We saw several dolphins from the boat.

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