Gazelles

/ɡəˈzɛlz/ noun

Definition

Small, graceful antelopes found in Africa and Asia, known for their speed and leaping ability.

Etymology

From Arabic 'ghazal,' a word that also inspired the name for a poetic form. The animal's grace and speed made it a symbol in Arabic poetry, and Europeans borrowed the word along with the animal's name.

Kelly Says

Gazelles can leap up to 10 meters in a single bound and reach speeds of 100 km/h! The word 'ghazal' in Arabic poetry uses the gazelle as a symbol of beauty and unattainable love, showing how one animal inspired both a word and an entire poetic tradition.

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