manta
UK[ˈmæntə]US[ˈmæntə]
n
a very large ray (a type of flat fish) that lives in warm seas and has two long pointed parts on its head
n
a piece of cloth or a blanket, especially one used as a cloak or shawl in Latin America and the southwestern US
Etymology
the word "manta" entered english in the late 17th century from spanish, where it originally meant "blanket" or "cloak." the spanish term is itself thought to be a borrowing from a regional latin word "manta," possibly a shortened form of "mantellum," meaning "cloak." the application of the name to the large ray is attributed to the resemblance of the fish's body, when spread out, to a blanket or cloak. thus, the term traveled from a concept of covering cloth to a descriptor for a majestic marine creature.
Analysis
the word is a loanword adopted as a single, unanalyzable unit in english.
Examples
we went scuba diving and were fortunate enough to see a giant manta ray gliding gracefully through the water.
the fisherman draped a traditional manta over his shoulders to protect himself from the evening chill.
conservation efforts are crucial for protecting the vulnerable manta population from overfishing.