hyena

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

Thân thiện

A spotted hyena stands on the African savanna at dusk.

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.

Học thuật

Noun

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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• hyaena