otter

¹

[ot-er]

noun

plural

otters ,

plural

otter .

1. any of several aquatic, furbearing, weasellike mammals of the genus Lutra and related genera, having webbed feet and a long, slightly flattened tail.

2. the fur of an otter.

Otter

²

[ot-er]

noun

1. (in theVolsunga Saga ) a son of Hreidmar, who assumed the form of an otter when fishing, and who was killed by Loki while in that form.

otter

/ ˈɒtə /

noun

1. any freshwater carnivorous musteline mammal of the subfamily Lutrinae, esp Lutra lutra ( Eurasian otter ), typically having smooth fur, a streamlined body, and webbed feet

2. the fur of any of these animals

3. Also called: otter board. a type of fishing tackle consisting of a weighted board to which hooked and baited lines are attached

verb

1. to fish using an otter

Word History and Origins

Origin of otter¹

before 900; Middle English otter, oter, Old English otor, ottor; cognate with Dutch, German otter; compare Greek hýdra water serpent ( hydra ), Sanskrit udra- otter; akin to water

Word History and Origins

Origin of otter¹

Old English otor; related to Old Norse otr, Old High German ottar , Greek hudra , Sanskrit udra

Example Sentences

Avian flu infects birds and sometimes other animals, such as foxes, seals and otters.

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How sea otter pup was reunited with mom.

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The MCI logo—an entwined tiger and otter —is one of the most recognizable icons in the world.

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“Think how you’ll grieve for all you’ll leave behind,” she sings to a herd of otters, koalas, flamingos, giraffes, bunnies and kangaroos fleeing Oz for the safety of the Yellow Brick Underground Railroad.

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“First of all, I’m not a dog. I’m more of a cub or possibly an otter. Definitely, not a twink. I think that’s clear,” he said.

Read more on Salon