Canine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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canine
[ˈkeɪnaɪn ]
Definitions
animal
A canine is a domesticated mammal of the dog family (Canidae), as distinguished from the fox family (Vulpidae). Canines are known for their loyalty and companionship with humans.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| canine |
Used in formal or scientific contexts, often when referring to the animal species in general or its specific characteristics. Doesn't imply companionship.
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| dog |
Used in general or neutral contexts to refer to the common household pet or the species as a whole.
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| pooch |
Used in informal or affectionate contexts, often to describe a pet dog. Can suggest a close bond or affection.
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| pup |
Used to refer to a young dog in informal or affectionate contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He has a pet canine named Max.
- The canine greeted its owner with a wagging tail.
related to dogs
Canine refers to anything related to dogs or resembling a dog in some way.
Synonyms
dog-like, puppy-like.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| canine |
Use it in a scientific or medical context when referring to dogs or dog-like features, traits, or dentistry.
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| dog-like |
Good for informal descriptions when comparing someone's behavior, appearance, or characteristics to a dog.
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| puppy-like |
Best for describing something or someone that exhibits the characteristics of a puppy, which include being playful, innocent, or youthful.
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Examples of usage
- She has a canine companion that goes everywhere with her.
- The canine behavior of the wolf pack was fascinating to observe.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Canines belong to the family Canidae, which includes animals like wolves, foxes, and domestic dogs.
- Research shows that dogs can understand human emotions better than any other animal, making them special companions.
- Canine sense of smell is so powerful that dogs can detect certain diseases in humans, such as cancer.
Pop Culture
- Canines often star in movies and books, like 'Lassie' and 'Where the Red Fern Grows', highlighting their loyalty and companionship.
- Famous cartoon canines include Scooby-Doo and Snoopy, who have become cultural icons.
- Dog shows, such as the Westminster Dog Show, celebrate different breeds and their unique traits.
Psychology
- Studies find that interactions with canines can reduce stress and improve mood in humans.
- Therapy dogs are increasingly used to assist in mental health treatment, providing comfort and companionship.
- The bond between canines and humans has been shown to release oxytocin, a hormone associated with love and bonding.
History
- Dogs were domesticated from wolves between 20,000 to 40,000 years ago, marking one of the earliest human-animal partnerships.
- Throughout history, canines have been used in various roles, including hunting, herding, and as companions.
- Certain breeds have historical significance, such as the Greyhound, which was favored by royalty for racing.
Origin of 'canine'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'canine' comes from the Latin 'canis', meaning dog.
- In the 14th century, 'canine' was used to describe anything related to dogs, including their behavior.
- The term has been used in scientific classifications to group animals similar to dogs.
The word 'canine' has its origin in the Latin word 'canis', which means 'dog'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to members of the dog family. Canines have been domesticated by humans for thousands of years, serving as companions, protectors, and helpers in various tasks.
See also: can, canal, cane, caning, canister, canning, cannot, canopy, canteen, could.