Definition of camel
1 : either of two large ruminant mammals (genus Camelus) used as draft and saddle animals in desert regions especially of Africa and Asia:a : the one-humped camel (C. dromedarius) extant only as a domestic or feral animal : dromedaryb : the 2-humped camel (C. bactrianus synonym C. ferus) of desert and steppe regions of northwestern China and southwestern Mongolia : bactrian camel
2 : a watertight structure used especially to lift submerged ships
3 : a light yellowish brown
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Illustration of camel
Origin and Etymology of camel
Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French, from Latin camelus, from Greek kamēlos, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew gāmāl camel
First Known Use: before 12th century
CAMEL Defined for English Language Learners
camel
playDefinition of camel for English Language Learners
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: a large animal of Africa and Asia that has a long neck and one or two large humps on its back and that is often used for desert travel
CAMEL Defined for Kids
camel
playDefinition of camel for Students
: a large hoofed animal that has one or two large humps on its back and is used in the deserts of Asia and Africa for carrying passengers and loads
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See words that rhyme with camel Spanish Central: Translation of camel Nglish: Translation of camel for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of camel for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about camel
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