camel

[ kam-uhl ]

noun

1. either of two large, humped, ruminant quadrupeds of the genus Camelus, of the Old World. Compare Bactrian camel, dromedary.
2. a color ranging from yellowish tan to yellowish brown.
3. Also called camel spin. Skating. a spin done in an arabesque position.
4. Nautical.
   1. Also called pontoon. a float for lifting a deeply laden vessel sufficiently to allow it to cross an area of shallow water.
   2. a float serving as a fender between a vessel and a pier or the like.
   3. caisson ( def 3a ).

camel

/ ˈkæməl /

noun

1. See Bactrian camel, Arabian camel
   either of two cud-chewing artiodactyl mammals of the genus Camelus : family Camelidae. They are adapted for surviving long periods without food or water in desert regions, esp by using humps on the back for storing fat See Arabian camel Bactrian camel
2. See caisson
   a float attached to a vessel to increase its buoyancy See also caisson
3. a raft or float used as a fender between a vessel and a wharf
4. 1. a fawn colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a camel dress

Other Words From

• cam·el·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of camel¹

before 950; Middle English, Old English < Latin camēlus < Greek kámēlos < Semitic; compare Hebrew gāmāl

Word History and Origins

Origin of camel¹

Old English, from Latin camēlus, from Greek kamēlos, of Semitic origin; related to Arabic jamal

Idioms and Phrases

see under last straw .

Example Sentences

Wernery and Eriksen call those they’ve found in the camels “polybezoars.”

From Science News For Students

Before long, they spotted a camel skeleton and began to dig through sand and bones.

From Science News

With a stomach full of plastic, camels don’t eat because they don’t feel hungry, and they starve to death.

From Science News

Getting young camels to make antibodies to the virus would protect people.

From Science News For Students

If all goes well, the camels will make antibodies to both viruses.

From Science News For Students

The “clairvoyant camel” has picked Argentina over Germany in the World Cup final.

From The Daily Beast

In short: It is so convenient that it makes a taxi seem about as high-tech as a camel.

From The Daily Beast

There was something rather theatrical—surreal even—about walking into camp accompanied by a camel caravan later that evening.

From The Daily Beast

Later, I fell asleep to the sound of Lhoucine gently coaxing his camel and faint ululating from a distant stone cottage.

From The Daily Beast

Joe would often appear looking suave or cool in various brightly colored situations - as cool as a man with a camel face can look.

From The Daily Beast

He and I went through many distant places in India with camel caravans, carrying loads of silver and gold, spices and fruits.

From Project Gutenberg

I followed his advice, allowed my luggage to be carried, and patiently mounted my camel.

From Project Gutenberg

With the soft tuft of camel hair he blurred against the peak pale, luminous vapor of new cloud.

From Project Gutenberg

And the same John had his garment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins: and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

From Project Gutenberg

Junglee was close behind the camel leading my pony, and the others in the rear, but all in their places.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cream
• khaki
• off-white
• tan
• taupe