Definition

Noun: * Serval: A medium-sized wild cat (Leptailurus serval, historically classified as Felis serval) native to Africa. It is characterized by a slender body, very long legs relative to its body size, large oval ears without prominent tufts, and a distinctive coat that is tawny with black spots and stripes.

Usage Notes

• "Felis serval" is the former scientific binomial name for the serval. In modern taxonomy, the genus has been reclassified, and the accepted name is . However, "Felis serval" remains a recognizable term in historical and some general contexts.
• It is used specifically to refer to this single species of wild cat. The word is typically used in zoological, conservation, and wildlife contexts.

Examples

• The Felis serval is an adept hunter, using its large ears to detect rodents in tall grass.
• A key identifying feature of the Felis serval is its exceptionally long legs.
• Conservation efforts are important for protecting the habitat of the Felis serval.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in a taxonomic context to discuss the historical classification of the species.
  • The species was originally described as Felis serval before being moved to its own genus, Leptailurus.

Variants and Related Words

• Serval (n): The common name for / .
• (n): The current, accepted scientific name for the serval.

Synonyms

• Serval cat
• African serval

Noun

1. slender long-legged African wildcat having large untufted ears and tawny black-spotted coat