| lynx | 1. <zoology> Any one of several species of feline animals of the genus Felis, and subgenus Lynx. They have a short tail, and usually a pencil of hair on the tip of the ears. Among the well-known species are the European lynx (Felis borealis); the Canada lynx or loup-cervier (F. Canadensis); the bay lynx of America (F. Rufa), and its western spotted variety (var. Maculata); and the pardine lynx (F. Pardina) of Southern Europe. 2. <astronomy> One of the northern constellations. Origin: L. Lynx, lyncis, Gr.; akin to AS. Lox, G. Luchs, prob. Named from its sharp sight, and akin to E. Light. See Light, and cf. Ounce an animal. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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