Definition

Noun: 1. A large, thick-skinned mammal: A pachyderm is any of several large, non-ruminant, hoofed mammals characterized by having very thick skin. This term historically refers to a now-obsolete biological order (Pachydermata) that included elephants, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses. 2. (Figurative, informal) An insensitive or thick-skinned person: Used metaphorically to describe a person who is not easily affected by criticism or insult.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal):
  • The elephant, a majestic pachyderm, is the largest land animal.
  • The zoo's exhibit features several pachyderms, including a rhinoceros and a hippopotamus.
• Noun (Figurative):
  • You have to be a real pachyderm to ignore all the negative feedback. (Implies the person is insensitive.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "pachyderm" is primarily used in zoological or formal contexts when referring to the animals collectively. In modern biological classification, the order Pachydermata is no longer used, as these animals are not closely related. However, the descriptive term remains for its characteristic of thick skin.
• The figurative use is less common and can be considered mildly humorous or critical.

Variants and Related Words

• Pachydermatous (adjective): Having thick skin, either literally or figuratively.
  • The pachydermatous hide of the rhinoceros provides protection.
  • He was pachydermatous to their sarcastic remarks.

Synonyms

• Thick-skinned animal (literal).
• Elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus (specific types).
• Insensitive person, callous person (figurative).

Related Idioms

• Thick-skinned: This common idiom directly relates to the core meaning of "pachyderm." It describes someone who is not easily upset by criticism.
  • Politicians need to be thick-skinned to handle public scrutiny.

Noun

1. any of various nonruminant hoofed mammals having very thick skin: elephant; rhinoceros; hippopotamus