animal

/'æniməl/
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animal

A small animal scurries across the forest floor.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A living organism that is not a plant: An "animal" is a member of the kingdom Animalia, typically characterized by the ability to move voluntarily, the need to consume organic matter for energy, and specialized sensory organs.
    • A creature other than a human: Often used to refer specifically to non-human creatures, especially mammals.
    • A person with coarse, brutish, or instinctive behavior: (Informal, often derogatory) A human being regarded as lacking intelligence, sensitivity, or civilized qualities.
  2. Adjective:

    • Relating to or characteristic of animals: Pertaining to the physical, biological, or instinctual aspects of creatures in the animal kingdom.
    • Relating to the physical rather than the spiritual or intellectual: Of or relating to the body, its needs, and its base appetites.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:

    • The lion is a majestic animal.
    • She cares for all kinds of animals, from dogs to reptiles.
    • He behaved like an animal at the party, shouting and breaking things.
  • Adjective:

    • Animal behavior is a complex field of study.
    • The documentary explored the animal instincts for survival.
    • He was driven by animal passions, with little regard for reason.
Advanced Usage
  • "animal spirits": A state of buoyant confidence and optimism in economic activity or personal demeanor.

    • The entrepreneur's animal spirits drove her to take bold risks in the market.
  • "the animal within": Refers to the primal, instinctual nature of a person.

    • In moments of extreme fear, he felt the animal within take over.
Variants and Related Words
  • Animalistic (adj): Resembling or characteristic of an animal, particularly in physical appetites or behavior.

    • His animalistic rage was frightening to behold.
  • Animality (n): The animal nature or character of humans or creatures.

    • The philosopher wrote about the conflict between rationality and animality.
  • Animalcule (n): (Archaic) A microscopic animal.

Synonyms
  • Noun: Creature, beast, organism, fauna.
  • Adjective: Carnal, fleshly, bodily, physical, sensual, bestial.
Related Phrases
  • Animal husbandry: The science of breeding and caring for farm animals.

    • He studied animal husbandry to improve his ranch.
  • Animal rights: The belief that animals deserve certain moral and legal protections from human use and abuse.

    • She is a passionate advocate for animal rights.
Related Idioms
  • "Eat like an animal": To eat in a messy, greedy, or uncivilized manner.

    • After the hike, they were so hungry they ate like animals.
  • "The animal kingdom": The entire category of living organisms classified as animals.

    • Birds, fish, and insects are all part of the animal kingdom.
  • "A different animal": (Informal) Something that is entirely different in nature or character.

    • Managing a large corporation is a different animal from running a small shop.
animal

A small animal scurries across the forest floor.

Adjective
  1. marked by the appetites and passions of the body
    • animal instincts
    • carnal knowledge
    • fleshly desire
    • a sensual delight in eating
    • music is the only sensual pleasure without vice
Noun
  1. a living organism characterized by voluntary movement