How Do You Spell ORANG-OUTANG?

Pronunciation: [ˈɔːɹaŋa͡ʊtˈaŋ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Orang-outang" has been a subject of debate amongst linguists and zoologists. The correct spelling of the word is "Orangutan," which is actually derived from Malay and Indonesian languages. The original pronunciation of the word in those languages is similar to /oʊˌræŋʊˈtæŋ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. However, the incorrect spelling "Orang-outang" became popular in the West due to its literal translation to "man of the woods." Despite the popularity of this spelling, it is important to use the correct spelling - "Orangutan."

ORANG-OUTANG Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "orang-outang" refers to a large arboreal ape native to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. Known scientifically as Pongo, orangutans are the only exclusively Asian species of great ape. The word "orang-outang" comes from the Malay language, where "orang" means person or human, and "hutan" means forest or jungle; thus, it literally translates to "person of the forest." This name aptly describes the habitat and nature of orangutans, as they primarily dwell in the dense rainforests and exhibit semi-solitary behaviors.

    Orangutans are highly intelligent and remarkable creatures, possessing many human-like qualities. They have long, powerful arms spanning up to two meters, which they rely on to swing effortlessly between trees in their natural environment. These apes have distinctive reddish-brown colored hair, and males in particular, tend to develop large cheek pads and throat sacs as they reach sexual maturity. Orangutans are predominantly herbivorous, feeding mainly on fruits, leaves, bark, and occasionally insects.

    Due to extensive deforestation and illegal hunting, orangutans are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these incredible creatures and the preservation of their habitats. Orangutans play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of their ecosystems, making them a significant focus of research, conservation, and public awareness campaigns.

  2. One of the ape tribe, which in outward appearance approaches remarkably near to the human form.

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

Common Misspellings for ORANG-OUTANG

  • orangutang
  • orang utang
  • irang-outang
  • krang-outang
  • lrang-outang
  • prang-outang
  • 0rang-outang
  • 9rang-outang
  • oeang-outang
  • odang-outang
  • ofang-outang
  • otang-outang
  • o5ang-outang
  • o4ang-outang
  • orzng-outang
  • orsng-outang
  • orwng-outang
  • orqng-outang
  • orabg-outang
  • oramg-outang

Etymology of ORANG-OUTANG

The word "orangutan" or "orang-outang" has its origins in the Malay and Indonesian languages. "Orang" means "person" in Malay and Indonesian, while "hutan" means "forest". Therefore, "orangutan" directly translates to "person of the forest" or "forest person". This name was given to the primate due to their human-like appearance and behavior.

Plural form of ORANG-OUTANG is ORANG-OUTANGS

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