pachyderm

[ pak-i-durm ]

noun

1. any of the thick-skinned, nonruminant ungulates, as elephants, hippopotamuses, and rhinoceroses.
2. an elephant.
3. a person who is not sensitive to criticism, ridicule, etc.; a thick-skinned person.

pachyderm

/ ˈpækɪˌdɜːm /

noun

1. any very large thick-skinned mammal, such as an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus

pachyderm

/ păk′ĭ-dûrm′ /

1. Any of various large, thick-skinned mammals, such as the elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus.

Derived Forms

• ˌpachyˈdermatous, adjective

Other Words From

• pachy·dermal pachy·dermous pachy·dermic pachy·dermoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pachyderm¹

First recorded in 1825–30; from French pachyderme, from New Latin Pachyderma, singular of Pachydermata (plural) obsolete order name, from Greek pachý(s) “thick” + -dérmata, neuter plural of -dermatos “-skinned,” adjective derivative of dermat-, stem of dérma “skin”; derma ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pachyderm¹

C19: from French pachyderme, from Greek pakhudermos thick-skinned, from pakhus thick + derma skin

Example Sentences

In the mid-19th century, the British anatomist Richard Owen modeled dinosaurs on pachyderms such as the elephant, whereas early American paleontologists looked to the kangaroo as an anatomical guide.

From Nautilus

Other than aquatic animals, he notes, few creatures other than pachyderms suck up food using something other than simple lung power.

From Science News For Students

Whether or not it’s possible to teach an old elephant new tricks, a 34-year-old pachyderm at Zoo Atlanta has recently taught researchers a thing or two about how elephants suck up food and water with their trunks.

From Science News

O’Connell’s studies of the elephants at Etosha National Park in Namibia have spanned 30 years and make for delightful pachyderm stories, while at the same time a strength of the book is the variety of animals she includes.

From Washington Post

His keepers fed the beast copious amounts of port, Champagne, and whiskey to pacify the persnickety pachyderm.

From The Daily Beast

The fuzzy pachyderm figured out how to use her trunk to grab stuff in the first week.

From The Daily Beast

Occasionally he paused at the clink clink of the elephant irons or at the "whuff" as the uneasy pachyderm poured dust on his head.

From Project Gutenberg

They were passing on silent as spectres, the tread of the ponderous pachyderm being noiseless as that of a cat.

From Project Gutenberg

In the first place, it is evident that we may dismiss from our minds the idea that the Behemoth was an extinct pachyderm.

From Project Gutenberg

He had friends—yes, and they held him high—but seeming and report held him pachyderm, and they trod upon his heart.

From Project Gutenberg

Their puny pen pricks have about the same effect as mosquito bites on the pachyderm.

From Project Gutenberg