World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesTail
/teɪl/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
The hindmost part of an animal, especially when elongated and flexible.
"The dog wagged its tail excitedly when it saw its owner." - 2
A similar appendage or structure in other contexts, such as the end of a comet or the trailing part of a garment.
"The comet had a bright tail that stretched across the night sky."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The word 'tail' originates from the Old English 'tægel', which is related to the Proto-Germanic '*tagwō', meaning 'to pull' or 'to drag'. Over time, the term evolved to refer specifically to the appendage found on the back of animals, reflecting its physical characteristics and functions.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Tail"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Tail" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
queue
Transliteration: kø
"Le chien remue la queue quand il voit son maître."
Schwanz
Transliteration: ʃva:nts
"Der Hund wedelt mit seinem Schwanz, wenn er seinen Besitzer sieht."
coda
Transliteration: ˈkoda
"Il cane scodinzola quando vede il suo padrone."
cola
Transliteration: ˈkola
"El perro mueve la cola cuando ve a su dueño."
cauda
Transliteration: ˈkaw.dɐ
"O cachorro abana a cauda quando vê seu dono."
पूंछ
Transliteration: pū̃ch
"कुत्ता अपने मालिक को देखकर अपनी पूंछ हिलाता है।"
尾巴
Transliteration: wěibā
"狗看到主人时摇尾巴。"
꼬리
Transliteration: kkori
"개가 주인을 보자 꼬리를 흔든다."
尾
Transliteration: o
"犬は主人を見ると尾を振る。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsExplore Nuanced Synonyms for "Tail"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.