silver fox

/'silvə'fɔks/

Thân thiện

A silver fox sits on a snowy log in the winter forest.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A color morph of the red fox: A "silver fox" is a melanistic form of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Its fur is characterized by a black coat with white-tipped guard hairs, giving it a silvery sheen.
   • The fur of this animal: The term also refers to the valuable pelt of this fox, historically prized in the fur trade.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We spotted a rare silver fox at the edge of the forest.
  • The trapper sold a silver fox pelt for a high price.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical use for a person: Informally, the term can describe an attractive person with graying or silver hair, often implying sophistication and maturity.
  • The distinguished actor, now a silver fox, was more popular than ever.

Variants and Related Words

• Red fox (): The common species to which the silver fox belongs.
• Cross fox: Another color morph of the red fox, with a dark stripe down its back and across its shoulders.

Synonyms

• Melanistic red fox: A more scientific term.
• Black fox: A common alternative name, though "silver fox" more precisely describes the silver-tipped fur.

Idioms and Phrases

Học thuật

Noun

1. red fox in the color phase when its pelt is tipped with white