hyaena

/hai'i:nə/ Cách viết khác : (hyaena) /hai'i:nə/

Thân thiện

A spotted hyaena stands alert on the African savanna at dusk.

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.

Học thuật

Noun

1. doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion

Từ đồng nghĩa

• hyena