Hyena: meaning, definitions and examples

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hyena

 

[ haษชหˆiห.nษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal behavior

The hyena is a carnivorous mammal known for its distinctive laugh-like vocalizations. These animals are highly social and often live in groups called clans. They are known for their scavenging habits, though they are also skilled hunters.

Synonyms

carnivore, predator, scavenger

Examples of usage

  • The hyena is often misunderstood as a coward.
  • Hyenas communicate with a series of whoops and laughs.
  • In some cultures, hyenas are seen as symbols of cunning.

Translations

Translations of the word "hyena" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น hiena

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคนเคพเค‡เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Hyรคne

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ hyena

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั–ั”ะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ hiena

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใ‚คใ‚จใƒŠ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hyรจne

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hiena

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท cรผce

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ•˜์ด์—๋‚˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุถุจุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hyena

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hyena

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ฌฃ็‹—

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ hiena

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hรฝena

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณะธะตะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฐแƒ˜แƒ”แƒœแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hiyena

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hiena

Etymology

The word 'hyena' originates from the Latin word 'hyaena', which in turn comes from the Greek word 'แฝ•ฮฑฮนฮฝฮฑ' (huaina). This Greek term is believed to derive from the ancient Semitic languages. In the Middle Ages, hyenas were often considered creatures of myth and folklore, perceived as harbingers of doom or associated with witchcraft. Their reputation in various cultures has shifted too; in some, they are regarded as clever and resourceful, while in others, they are seen as malicious and cowardly. Despite these varied perceptions, the hyena is an important part of ecosystems in African savannas and is known for its unique social structure and vocal communication.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,358, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.