Elephantine is an adjective that means massive and not easily handled.

You may have guessed that our word of the day comes from the word elephant, which is Greek in origin. And like many words named after specific animals, it refers to behavior that an elephant is best known for. Being large, clumsy and awkward.

Troy’s elephantine behavior may have helped in rugby, but it didn’t do much in gymnastics. Being an awkward and clumsy on the balance beam isn’t a pleasant sight.