hyaena
/hai'i:nə/ Cách viết khác : (hyaena) /hai'i:nə/
Definition
Noun: A hyaena is a doglike, nocturnal mammal found in Africa and southern Asia. It is a scavenger, meaning it feeds primarily on the dead bodies of other animals (carrion). Hyaenas are known for their strong jaws and distinctive, laughing-like vocalizations.
Usage
The word "hyaena" is used to refer to the animal itself. It is a standard zoological term. * The spotted hyaena is the largest species. * We heard the eerie call of a hyaena in the distance. * Biologists are studying the social structure of the hyaena.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: In literature or descriptive writing, "hyaena" can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is cruel, greedy, or who preys on others.
- The warlord was a political hyaena, scavenging power from the chaos.
Variants and Related Words
- Hyena: This is the more common modern spelling of the same word. "Hyaena" is an older, alternative spelling.
- Spotted hyena (): The most common and largest species.
- Striped hyena ()
- Brown hyena ()
- Aardwolf (): A related mammal that is also part of the Hyaenidae family, but it feeds mainly on insects.
Synonyms
- Scavenger: A general term for an animal that eats carrion.
- Carrion-eater: A descriptive term for its primary diet.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To laugh like a hyena: To laugh in a loud, wild, and uncontrolled manner, reminiscent of the animal's call.
- The comedian's joke made the audience laugh like a pack of hyenas.
Noun
-
doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
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