Definition

Noun: 1. A member of the biological family Felidae: Any mammal belonging to the family Felidae, which includes all cats, both wild and domestic. These animals are typically characterized by a lithe body, a rounded head, sharp retractable claws (in most species), and are obligate carnivores. * Example: The lion, tiger, and domestic house cat are all felids. * Example: The cheetah is the only felid with non-retractable claws.

Usage

The term felid is a scientific or zoological term. It is used in formal, academic, or technical contexts to refer collectively to all animals in the cat family. It is less common in everyday conversation, where "cat" or "big cat" might be used instead.

Examples

• In a zoology textbook: "All felids share a common ancestor and possess specialized teeth for shearing meat."
• In wildlife conservation: "Protecting the habitat is crucial for the survival of endangered felids like the snow leopard."
• In comparative anatomy: "The skeletal structure of a felid is adapted for stealth and powerful bursts of speed."

Advanced Usage

• In phylogenetic classification: The term is used to specify the taxonomic rank. For instance, "The study focused on the evolutionary history of the felid lineage within the order Carnivora."

Variants and Related Words

• Feline (adj/n): This is a more common synonym. As an adjective, it means "relating to cats" (e.g., ). As a noun, it means "a cat" or "a felid" and is used in both scientific and general contexts.
• Felidae (n): The scientific name for the biological family that includes all felids.

Synonyms

• Feline (noun)
• Cat (though "cat" often specifically refers to the domestic cat in non-scientific contexts)

Related Phrases / Terms

• Big felid: A non-scientific way to refer to large wild cats like lions, tigers, and leopards. (The more common phrase is "big cat").
• Small felid: Refers to smaller wild cat species, such as the ocelot or serval.

Noun

1. any of various lithe-bodied roundheaded fissiped mammals, many with retractile claws