1. A musical instrument:
* Historically: This is the most common meaning. An oliphant is a medieval musical instrument made from ivory, usually an elephant tusk. It was essentially a trumpet or horn with a distinctive, resonant sound. It was often associated with royalty and religious ceremonies.
2. A type of elephant:
* Less common: In some contexts, "oliphant" can refer to a large elephant or a war elephant. This usage is more poetic and less precise than the musical instrument definition.
3. A fictional creature:
* In fantasy: "Oliphant" sometimes appears in fantasy literature as the name for a large, powerful beast, similar to an elephant but potentially with magical abilities.
To clarify what you mean by "oliphant," it would be helpful to know the context of your question. For example, are you reading a fantasy novel, researching medieval music, or learning about elephants?