narwhal
/ˈnɑːw(ə)l
/noun
A small Arctic whale, the male of which has a long forward-pointing spirally twisted tusk developed from one of its teeth.
- Monodon monoceros, family Monodontidae.
- Polar bears are seagoing hunters that roam vast areas of the Arctic, pursuing a movable feast of seals, narwhals, beluga whales, and walruses.
- For centuries observers have been fascinated and mystified by the majestic spiral tusk grown by the small Arctic whale known as the narwhal.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from Dutch narwal, Danish narhval, based on Old Norse nár 'corpse', with reference to skin colour.