Pronunciation: [stˈʌmptˈe͡ɪld] (IPA) 
The term "stump-tailed" often refers to an animal or bird with a short tail. It is pronounced /stʌmp-teɪld/ with the stress on the second syllable. The "st" sound is followed by the "ʌ" vowel sound, then the "m" sound, and another "p" sound. The "t" is pronounced with a flap or tap, and the "eɪ" sound is a diphthong. The final syllable, "-tailed," is pronounced with a long "a" sound and a "d" sound at the end.
Stump-tailed is an adjective that refers to a physical characteristic found in certain animals, specifically in reference to their shortened or shortened-looking tail. When an animal is described as stump-tailed, it means that its tail is noticeably shorter in proportion to the average length for its species. The term typically applies to mammals, although it can occasionally be used to describe reptiles or birds as well.
A stump-tailed animal may have been naturally born with a shorter tail or may have experienced an injury or some other condition that led to its tail becoming shortened or impaired in some way. This physical characteristic differentiates the stump-tailed animal from others of its kind, as its tail is a prominent feature that often plays a role in the animal's movement, balance, or communication. The specific cause or reason for a stump-tailed condition can vary among different species.
Stump-tailed animals may exhibit various adaptations to compensate for their shorter tails, such as altering their movement patterns or adjusting their balance. These adaptations can be observed in their gait, agility, or locomotion. Additionally, the appearance of a stump-tailed animal may differ significantly from its counterparts, which can influence its overall aesthetics or visual appeal. Overall, the term "stump-tailed" is used to describe animals with noticeably shortened or abbreviated tails, denoting a distinctive attribute.
The word "stump-tailed" is a compound word formed by combining "stump" and "tailed".
- "Stump" originated from the Old English word "stump", which meant the base or bottom part of a tree trunk after it had been cut or broken. This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "stumpaz".
- "Tailed" comes from the Old English word "tæġeled", which meant having a tail or tailed. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "taglaz".
Thus, "stump-tailed" is a descriptive phrase referring to something or someone that has a tail resembling a stump or is short and stubby like a stump.
