snow leopard

Thân thiện

A snow leopard rests on a rocky mountain ledge.

Definition

Noun: 1. A large wild cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia: It is characterized by its long, thick, whitish to smoky-grey fur patterned with dark grey rosettes and spots, providing camouflage in rocky, high-altitude environments. It is scientifically known as Panthera uncia or Uncia uncia.

Usage

The term "snow leopard" is used to refer specifically to this distinct species of big cat. It functions as a countable noun. - Conservationists are working to protect the endangered snow leopard. - We were lucky to spot a snow leopard during the expedition. - The snow leopard's habitat is found in the high mountains.

Advanced Usage

• The snow leopard is also known by its traditional Central Asian name, ounce, though this is less common in modern English.
• It is often described as an elusive or ghost-like creature due to its solitary nature and excellent camouflage.

Variants and Related Words

• Ounce (noun): An alternative, though now less frequently used, name for the snow leopard.
• Panthera uncia / Uncia uncia (noun): The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Ounce: (as mentioned above, a direct synonym).
• Mountain cat: A more general descriptive term, though not scientifically precise.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Snow leopard conservation: Efforts to protect the species and its habitat.
• Snow leopard habitat: The high-altitude rocky mountains of Central Asia.
• Snow leopard population: The number of individuals of this species in the wild.

Học thuật

Noun

1. large feline of upland central Asia having long thick whitish fur

Từ đồng nghĩa

• ounce
• Panthera uncia