hyena
/hai'i:nə/ Cách viết khác : (hyaena) /hai'i:nə/
Definition
Noun: 1. A doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion: A carnivorous mammal known for its strong jaws, scavenging habits, and distinctive vocalizations resembling laughter. 2. (Figurative) A cruel or predatory person: Used metaphorically to describe a person who is perceived as vicious, greedy, or who preys on others.
Examples
- Noun (Literal):
- The hyena is often misunderstood as merely a scavenger, but it is also a skilled hunter.
- We heard the eerie laugh of a hyena in the distance.
- Noun (Figurative):
- The corrupt official was a hyena, feeding off the misery of the poor.
- In the ruthless world of business, he was seen as a hyena waiting for competitors to fail.
Advanced Usage
- "To laugh like a hyena": To laugh in a loud, wild, and often harsh or unpleasant manner.
- He laughed like a hyena at his own joke, but no one else found it funny.
Variants and Related Words
- Spotted hyena (): The most common and largest hyena species, known for its spotted coat and complex social structure.
- Striped hyena (): A species with distinctive vertical stripes and a less social nature.
- Brown hyena (): A scavenger found mainly in southern Africa.
- Aardwolf (): A related, insect-eating mammal that is part of the hyena family (Hyaenidae).
Synonyms
- Scavenger: An animal that feeds on dead organic material. (This describes the primary feeding behavior.)
- Predator: An animal that naturally preys on others. (This describes its hunting capability.)
- Vulture: (Figurative) A person who preys on or exploits others, especially in times of distress.
Noun
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doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
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