jackal
/'dʤækɔ:l/
Definition
Noun: 1. A wild canine mammal: A medium-sized carnivorous mammal native to Africa and Asia, closely related to dogs and wolves. It is typically nocturnal, has a yellowish-brown coat, and is known for its opportunistic feeding habits and distinctive howling or yipping calls. 2. A person who does routine or menial work for another: (Figurative) Someone who performs difficult or unpleasant tasks on behalf of someone else, often for personal gain or advancement.
Usage and Examples
- Literal (Animal):
- Figurative (Person):
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Cultural and Mythological Context: In some cultures, the jackal is associated with trickery or death (e.g., the Egyptian god Anubis had the head of a jackal). This influences its symbolic use in literature.
- Ecological Role: The term is used in biology to describe an animal that is both a predator and a scavenger, playing a crucial role in its ecosystem by cleaning up carrion.
Variants and Related Words
- Jackals: Standard plural form.
- Golden Jackal: A specific species () common in Southeastern Europe and Asia.
- Black-backed Jackal / Side-striped Jackal: Other distinct species found in Africa.
Synonyms
- For the animal: Wild dog, canine. (Note: "Coyote" or "fox" are different species, though sometimes confused.)
- For the figurative sense: Henchman, lackey, minion, stooge.
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
- To play the jackal: (Rare) To act as a subordinate who does the unpleasant work for a more powerful person.
Noun
-
Old World nocturnal canine mammal closely related to the dog; smaller than a wolf; sometimes hunts in a pack but usually singly or as a member of a pair
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "jackal"
