Lexic.us

Definition of Hyena

1. Noun. Doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion.

Definition of Hyena

1. n. Any carnivorous mammal of the family Hyænidæ, of which three living species are known. They are large and strong, but cowardly. They feed chiefly on carrion, and are nocturnal in their habits.

Definition of Hyena

1. Noun. Large, (canine)?resembling (carnivore) belonging to the family ''Hyaenidae'', native to Africa and Asia, often notable for the sound similar to (laughter) which it can make if excited. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Hyena

1. a wolflike mammal [n -S] : HYENIC, HYENINE, HYENOID [adj]

Medical Definition of Hyena

1. Origin: L. Hyaena, Gr, orig, a sow, but usually, a Libyan wild beast, prob, the hyena, fr. Hog: cf. F. Hyene. See Sow female hog. Any carnivorous mammal of the family Hyaenidae, of which three living species are known. They are large and strong, but cowardly. They feed chiefly on carrion, and are nocturnal in their habits. Alternative forms: hyaena. The striped hyena (Hyaena striata) inhabits Southern Asia and a large part of Africa. The brown hyena (H. Brunnea), and the spotted hyena (Crocuta maculata), are found in Southern Africa. The extinct cave hyena (H. Spelaea) inhabited England and France. Cave hyena. See Cave. Hyena dog, a South African canine animal (Lycaon venaticus), which hunts in packs, chiefly at night. It is smaller than the common wolf, with very large, erect ears, and a bushy tail. Its colour is reddish or yellowish brown, blotched with black and white. Synonym: hunting dog. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Hyena

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