How Do You Spell CAMEL?

Pronunciation: [kˈamə͡l] (IPA)

The word "camel" is spelled with five letters: c-a-m-e-l. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈkæməl/. The first sound is a voiceless velar stop /k/, followed by the vowel sound /æ/ which is a short, front, unrounded vowel. The next sound is a voiced bilabial nasal /m/, followed by another short /ə/ sound, which is called a schwa. Finally, the word ends with the voiceless alveolar lateral fricative /l/. The spelling of "camel" was borrowed from the Latin word "camelus," which originated from the Greek word "kamēlos."

CAMEL Meaning and Definition

  1. A camel is a large, long-legged mammal belonging to the camel family, mainly found in desert regions of Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It is well-known for its distinctive hump or humps on its back, which are composed of fat deposits that enable it to survive in extreme conditions. There are two main species of camels: the dromedary, also known as the Arabian camel, which has a single hump, and the Bactrian camel, which has two humps.

    Camels are highly adapted for desert life, possessing several unique physical and behavioral characteristics. They have broad, cushioned feet that help them navigate through shifting sand dunes, long eyelashes to protect their eyes from sandstorms, and the ability to close their nostrils to prevent dust intake. Their humps store fat, providing them with a reserve of energy and water in times of scarcity. The camels are also equipped with robust digestive systems that efficiently extract moisture from the food they consume, enabling them to survive for long periods without drinking water.

    Domesticated camels have been widely utilized by humans for centuries, particularly in desert regions. They are used as pack animals, carrying heavy loads, and as a source of transportation, able to cover long distances across arid landscapes. Camels have played a crucial role in trade and travel throughout history, as their hardiness and endurance make them well-suited for desert travel. In addition, camel milk and meat are significant sources of sustenance for many desert-dwelling communities.

    Overall, camels are extraordinary animals uniquely adapted to thrive in harsh desert environments and have proven to be invaluable to humans in various ways throughout history.

  2. A large quadruped used in the East for the transport of goods, and for riding on.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CAMEL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CAMEL

Etymology of CAMEL

The word "camel" originates from the Old English "camel" or "camelu", which can be traced back to the Latin "camelus" and Greek "kamēlos". These Latin and Greek terms ultimately derive from the Hebrew "gamal" and Arabic "jamal". The term "camel" has remained relatively consistent across different languages, highlighting the significant influence of Hebrew and Arabic in its etymology.

Idioms with the word CAMEL

  • a camel is a horse designed by a committee The idiom "a camel is a horse designed by a committee" essentially means that when too many people are involved in a decision-making process, the end result is often a product that is compromised, inefficient, or does not meet the intended purpose. This idiom suggests that too many conflicting opinions or inputs can lead to a less effective outcome, resembling a camel which is an unconventional and strange-looking animal compared to a traditionally more sleek and graceful horse.
  • camel through the eye of a needle The idiom "camel through the eye of a needle" refers to an impossible or highly unlikely task or situation. It originates from a biblical quote in which Jesus states that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
  • camel toes
  • the straw that breaks the camel's back, at the final/last straw The idiom "the straw that breaks the camel's back" refers to the final small burden or problem that makes a situation unbearable, causing a significant or extreme reaction or outcome. It often implies that a series of small or minor issues have led to this breaking point.
  • the straw that breaks the camel's back The final small burden or problem that causes someone to no longer be able to endure a situation.
  • a camel's nose (under the tent) The idiom "a camel's nose (under the tent)" refers to a situation where a small, seemingly harmless action or request is allowed or accepted, only for more significant or unwanted consequences to follow later on. It is often used to warn against giving in to a small demand, as it may lead to much larger issues in the future.
  • the straw that broke the camel's back This idiom is used to describe the last in a series of irritating or troubling events that ultimately leads to a breakdown or collapse of patience or resilience.
  • It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back This idiom means that a particular event or action is the final one in a series of irritations or problems, causing one to finally lose patience or reach a breaking point.

Similar spelling words for CAMEL

Plural form of CAMEL is CAMELS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: