lycaon pictus
Definition
Noun: 1. African wild dog: A large, carnivorous mammal (Lycaon pictus) native to sub-Saharan Africa, known for its distinctive, irregularly blotched coat of yellow, black, and white fur. It is a highly social animal that lives and hunts in cooperative packs.
Usage
- As a subject: The is an endangered species.
- As an object: Conservationists are working to protect the .
- With modifiers: The painted hunting dog, , relies on endurance to run down its prey.
Examples
- The has large, rounded ears and only four toes on its front feet, unlike other canids.
- Researchers observed a pack of successfully hunting an antelope.
- Habitat loss is a major threat to the survival of .
Advanced Usage
- Scientific Context: In zoological taxonomy, is the sole extant species within the genus , distinct from the genus (which includes wolves and domestic dogs).
Variants and Related Words
- African wild dog (n): The most common English name for this animal.
- Painted wolf (n): An increasingly used alternative name, emphasizing its unique and colorful coat.
- Cape hunting dog (n): A historical name, less common today.
- Lycaon (n): The genus name, sometimes used informally to refer to the species.
Synonyms
- African hunting dog
- Painted hunting dog
Notes on Meaning
- The primary meaning refers specifically to the biological species. It is not used metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions.
- The name is derived from Latin and Greek, meaning "painted wolf of Lycaon," referencing a figure in Greek mythology.
Noun
-
a powerful doglike mammal of southern and eastern Africa that hunts in large packs; now rare in settled area
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