agulhas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialist / Technical / Geographic
Quick answer
What does “agulhas” mean?
The plural of 'agulha' – the Portuguese word for 'needle'. In English, it is primarily used as a proper noun referring to the southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural of 'agulha' – the Portuguese word for 'needle'. In English, it is primarily used as a proper noun referring to the southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas.
1. Cape Agulhas: The geographic location where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet; a notable maritime landmark. 2. In Portuguese-language contexts: Needles, sewing needles, or sharp-pointed instruments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. Both refer to the same geographic feature. Pronunciation may differ slightly.
Connotations
For both: Connotes geography, navigation, maritime history, and the meeting of two major oceans.
Frequency
Very low-frequency word in general English for both, appearing primarily in geographic, historical, or sailing contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “agulhas” in a Sentence
the N of AgulhasN (Current) at/near AgulhasV (sail/pass) AgulhasVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “agulhas” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Agulhas waters are notoriously treacherous.
American English
- The Agulhas ecosystem is highly diverse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in shipping, logistics, or tourism contexts (e.g., 'The route passes Cape Agulhas').
Academic
Used in geography, oceanography, and history papers (e.g., 'The Agulhas Current influences global climate').
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used in specific discussions about geography or travel.
Technical
Common in maritime navigation, meteorology, and geology (e.g., 'The Agulhas Bank is a productive fishing ground').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “agulhas”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “agulhas”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “agulhas”
- Using 'Agulhas' to mean 'needles' in an English sentence.
- Confusing Cape Agulhas with the more famous Cape of Good Hope.
- Misspelling as 'Aguillas' or 'Agulhas'.
- Incorrect stress: placing it on the first syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Agulhas' is the Portuguese word for needles, but in English it is used almost exclusively as a proper noun for Cape Agulhas in South Africa.
Cape Agulhas is the continent's southernmost geographic point. The Cape of Good Hope is a more famous headland further north on the same peninsula, often mistakenly thought to be the southern tip.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term used mainly in geographic, oceanic, and historical contexts.
In both British and American English, it is commonly pronounced /əˈɡʊljəs/ (uh-GOOL-yuhs) or /əˈɡʌljəs/ (uh-GUL-yuhs), with stress on the second syllable.
The plural of 'agulha' – the Portuguese word for 'needle'. In English, it is primarily used as a proper noun referring to the southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas.
Agulhas is usually specialist / technical / geographic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sailor saying, 'A gull has (Agulhas) landed at the southern tip of Africa where the two oceans meet.'
Conceptual Metaphor
A BOUNDARY / MEETING POINT (of waters, continents, navigation routes).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Agulhas' primarily used to refer to in English?