Duikers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of small antelope native to Africa, characterized by its ability to leap quickly and gracefully through dense underbrush; Often found in forested habitats where they feed on foliage and fruits; These animals are known for their agility and are typically solitary or found in small groups
2. Small, agile antelopes of the genus Cephalophus, commonly inhabiting sub-Saharan Africa and recognized for their unique ability to navigate thick vegetation; These creatures primarily graze on leaves and fruits, adapting well to forest environments; They often display shy behavior, making them elusive to spot in the wild
3. Antelopes that prefer hilly or forested terrains, known for their speed and leaping abilities, mostly feeding on plants and fruits; These animals are generally shy and elusive, using their agility to escape predators; They exhibit diverse color patterns that provide camouflage in their natural habitat

Etymology: "Duikers" is the plural of "duiker", a word that began as an ordinary Dutch verb-derived noun meaning "diver". The name was borrowed into Afrikaans, where "duiker" (literally "diver") was applied to these small antelopes, probably because of the way they dive into thick cover or bolt headlong into bushes when startled. The Afrikaans word itself came from Dutch "duiker", which descends from Middle Dutch "dukere", and it is a doublet of "ducker", the same root surfacing in a different form. The source word, "dukere" in Middle Dutch, is related to a verb meaning "to dive" or "to duck under", so the animal was named for an action rather than for its appearance. English speakers picked up the term through South African contexts, and it now covers many species across sub-Saharan Africa.

Synonyms: antelope, gazelle