How Do You Spell GOPHER?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈə͡ʊfə] (IPA)

The word "gopher" can be a tricky one to spell due to its irregular pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled ɡoʊfər. The first syllable is pronounced as "go" with the long "o" sound, followed by "ph" which is pronounced as an "f," and the final "er" is pronounced as "ər." This word represents a burrowing rodent species native to North America, and is also commonly used in computer technology to refer to a protocol for distributing files.

GOPHER Meaning and Definition

  1. Gopher is a noun with multiple definitions.

    One common definition of a gopher is a small burrowing rodent belonging to the family Geomyidae. Gophers are typically found in North and Central America, known for their sturdy build and sharp claws adapted for digging extensive tunnel systems. They are herbivores, feeding primarily on roots, tubers, and plant matter. Gophers have a stocky body, short legs, and a relatively short tail. Their fur can vary in color, ranging from light brown to dark brown, depending on the species and environment they inhabit. Gophers are known for their extensive burrowing habits, creating complex networks of tunnels underground, which can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and agricultural crops.

    Another meaning of the term gopher refers to a protocol used for client-server communication on the internet. The gopher protocol was developed in the 1990s as a way to organize and retrieve information from servers in a simpler and more structured manner compared to the more complex hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). It allowed users to access and browse menus of files and documents hosted on remote servers, presenting the information in a hierarchical format. While the gopher protocol has largely been replaced by web browsing, it played a significant role in the early days of the internet, particularly before the World Wide Web became widely accessible.

  2. The wood used in building the ark; the popular name of a burrowing animal, about the size of a squirrel, of various species, found in America; a species of turtle.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GOPHER

Etymology of GOPHER

The word "gopher" originally comes from the Dutch word "goeffer" or "goffar", which was used to refer to the fur of the fur-covered hood or collar. In the 18th century, the term was adopted in English to refer to various types of fur garments, but it gradually shifted specifically to refer to the fur of the pocket gopher, a rodent found in North America. Eventually, the name "gopher" was applied to the animal itself, and it became the common name for this species. Additionally, the term "gopher" is also used metaphorically in computer programming to describe a protocol for requesting and transmitting documents over the internet.

Idioms with the word GOPHER

  • gopher ball The idiom "gopher ball" refers to a pitch in the sport of baseball that is intentionally thrown in a manner that allows the batter to hit it easily and often results in a home run. Additionally, "gopher ball" can also be used figuratively to describe a situation or action that inadvertently sets someone up for failure or criticism.
  • gopher The idiom "gopher" typically refers to a person or a system responsible for a specific task, typically in a subordinate or supporting role. It can also refer to someone who is easily manipulated or controlled by others.

Similar spelling words for GOPHER

Plural form of GOPHER is GOPHERS

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