How Do You Spell GAVIAL?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈavɪəl] (IPA)

Gavial is a word commonly associated with a species of crocodile native to India. The word is spelled as ˈgeɪviəl, with the IPA pronunciation reflecting the subtle difference between the ‘g’ sound and the ‘j’ sound when voiced. The ‘a’ is pronounced as the letter ‘a’ in ‘bat,’ while the ‘i’ in gavial is pronounced as the short ‘i’ sound in ‘bit.’ The spelling of gavial can be traced back to the ancient Greek word for crocodile, ‘krokodeilos.’

GAVIAL Meaning and Definition

1. A gavial is a large, long-snouted crocodilian reptile of the genus Gavialis, belonging to the family Gavialidae. It is characterized by its slender, elongated snout, which distinguishes it from other crocodilian species. The gavial is native to the rivers of northern India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, where it inhabits freshwater habitats such as rivers, swamps, and lakes.

   The gavial has a streamlined body and can grow up to 6 to 7 meters in length, with males being larger than females. Their snout is particularly adapted for catching fish, their main source of food. This specialized structure allows them to effectively glide through the water, minimizing resistance and enabling swift underwater movements. They have a limited ability to move on land and are primarily aquatic creatures.

   The gavial possesses a unique and striking appearance, with a light-colored body covered in armored bony plates. Its long, slender jaws are filled with numerous sharp and interlocking teeth. These teeth are well-suited for gripping slippery prey and preventing their escape. Being cold-blooded reptiles, gavials rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature and are often seen basking in the sun on riverbanks.

   Unfortunately, the gavial is considered a critically endangered species due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and overfishing. Conservation efforts have been initiated to protect the remaining populations and preserve their natural habitats, as they play a vital role in the ecosystem by regulating fish populations and maintaining the ecological balance of freshwater ecosystems.

2. The Asiatic crocodile, having a prolonged and slender snout.

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

Common Misspellings for GAVIAL

• vavial
• bavial
• havial
• yavial
• tavial
• gzvial
• gsvial
• gwvial
• gqvial
• gabial
• gagial
• gafial
• gavual
• gavjal
• gavkal
• gavoal
• gav9al
• gav8al
• gavizl

Etymology of GAVIAL

The word "gavial" comes from the Hindi word "ghariyāl" (घड़ियाल), which ultimately derives from Sanskrit. The Sanskrit word is "ghar-ghara", meaning "noisy, gurgling", due to the reptile's hissing or gurgling sound it produces. The term "ghariyāl" refers specifically to the Indian gharial, a fish-eating crocodilian species found in the rivers of India and Nepal. Over time, the word "ghariyāl" was anglicized to "gavial" in English.

Similar spelling words for GAVIAL

• gavel,
• jovial,
• Gabel,
• gable,
• naval.

Plural form of GAVIAL is GAVIALS