A large African antelope with curved horns and a distinctive long face, commonly found in savannas and grasslands.
From Dutch 'hertebeest,' combining 'hert' (deer) and 'beest' (beast). The word entered English through Dutch colonizers in Africa and has been applied to this specific antelope species since the 17th century.
The hartebeest is one of Africa's fastest land runners and can reach speeds of 50 mph while maintaining an awkward, bouncing gait that looks ungainly but is incredibly efficient for escape—nature's solution to survival on open plains.
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