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Catamount Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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catamount

[หˆkatษ™หŒmaสŠnt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

wildlife

A wild animal, especially a large cat such as a mountain lion or cougar.

Synonyms

cougar, mountain lion, puma.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
catamount

Used mainly in American English, often in historical or literary contexts to refer to a wild big cat, especially in older texts.

  • The early settlers often spoke of the dangers posed by the catamount in the forests
mountain lion

Often used in casual or educational contexts to refer to this big cat, especially in western parts of the United States.

  • Mountain lions are known to inhabit the rocky terrains of California
cougar

Commonly used term in North America, especially in modern contexts, to describe this big cat. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to an older woman romantically pursuing younger men.

  • Hikers are advised to be cautious about cougars in the area
  • / She was unfairly labeled a cougar by her friends
puma

The scientific and more international term, frequently used in academic and zoological contexts.

  • The puma is an adaptable predator, found in various environments across the Americas

Examples of usage

  • The hikers spotted a catamount in the distance.
  • Catamounts are known for their stealth and agility in hunting.
  • The catamount is a powerful predator in the wild.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'catamount'

The term 'catamount' originated in the United States in the early 19th century as a colloquial term for a wild cat, especially a large cat like a mountain lion. The word is a combination of 'cat' and 'amount', possibly referring to the great size or strength of these animals. Catamounts have been a part of American folklore and history, symbolizing power, stealth, and the untamed wilderness.

See also: cat, catapult, cater, catlike, cattail, cattiness, catwalk.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,297, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.