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Definition:
a) a kind of bed
German translation:
hammock = die Hängematte
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GOOGLE INDEX
hammock: approximately 4,700,000 Google hits
Sample text:
In hot parts of Central and South America, many people prefer to sleep in a traditional HAMMOCK rather than a bed.
(BBC News)
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This camp ground is about 80 metres from the main beach and offers backpackers the opportunity to sleep on HAMMOCKS or beds in small wooden cabanas, as well as in tents on the soft sand in the garden.
(www.hotelsaccomodation.com)
Did you know?
hammock
noun
- a type of bed used especially outside, consisting of a net or long piece of strong cloth which you tie between two trees or poles so that it swings
(Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
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Some history experts claim that hammocks were used by the ancient Greeks. But there is general agreement that they were commonly used by the indigenous peoples of Central and South American and the Caribbean. Christopher Columbus discovered hammocks in the Bahamas while exploring the New World and brought them back to Europe.
It wasn't long before European sailors discovered how practical they could be for sleeping on board a ship. In 19th century Britain, the prison system incorporated the hammock as their standard sleeping apparatus because of its space saving qualities.
The origin of the word is disputed with some claiming that it stems from the Spanish "hamaca," a Taino Indian (Haiti) word for fish net. Another theory is that it stems from "hamak," a Central American tree whose bark was used by Mayan Indians to make hammocks.
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SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation
"After the long hours I've been working, I need a deserted island, a hammock and a good book."
Thanks to Stephan for suggesting today's word!
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And now...
Today's Learning Tip (8):
MIRROR-WRITING
Leonardo wrote his notes in mirror-writing, from right to left. Be like Da Vinci and write your new word as it would appear in reflection. The extra effort may help you learn it (another variation is to write the text upside down).
more learning tips
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