Definition

Noun: 1. A species of wild swine native to Eurasia and North Africa: This refers to the wild ancestor of the domestic pig, characterized by a narrow body, coarse hair, and prominent tusks. It is also known as the wild boar or Eurasian wild pig. 2. Domestic swine collectively: In a broader sense, it can refer to the species encompassing all domestic pigs, which are descended from this wild ancestor.

Usage Examples

• Referring to the wild animal:
  • The Sus scrofa is a highly adaptable mammal found in various forests across Europe and Asia.
  • Hunters tracked a large Sus scrofa through the woodland.
• Referring to the species inclusive of domestic forms:
  • All modern domestic pigs belong to the species Sus scrofa.
  • The study focused on the genetic diversity within Sus scrofa.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific and Taxonomic Context: The term is primarily used in scientific, zoological, agricultural, and hunting contexts. It is the formal binomial name (genus and species) for the animal.
  • The paper described a new subspecies of Sus scrofa discovered on the island.

Variants and Related Words

• Wild boar: The common name for the wild form of .
• Boar: Often used synonymously with wild boar; can also specifically mean an uncastrated male pig.
• Hog: A general term for a large pig, especially one raised for meat.
• Swine: A formal or collective term for pigs.

Synonyms

• Wild boar
• Eurasian wild pig

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and most precise meaning is the wild ancestor, the Old World wild swine.
• The secondary meaning, domestic swine, is used when discussing the entire species scientifically, acknowledging that domestic pigs () are a subspecies of the wild . In everyday language, "pig," "hog," or "swine" are used instead.

Noun

1. domestic swine
2. Old World wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come; introduced in United States