Hyrax - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A hyrax is a small, furry mammal resembling a rodent but closely related to elephants. Found in Africa and the Middle East, it lives in rocky areas or forests.
Definition:
A small, thickset, herbivorous mammal resembling a rodent but more closely related to elephants.
Synonyms:
dassie, rock rabbit, coney
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
predator, carnivore (contextual opposites)
Common Collocations:
rock hyrax, hyrax colony, hyrax habitat
Derivatives:
hyraces (plural), hyracoid (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "hyrax" when referring to the animal; avoid confusion with rodents due to its unique evolutionary ties.
Common Phrases:
"stubborn as a hyrax, " "hyrax on a rock, " "hyrax family"
Etymology:
From Greek "hyrak-" meaning shrewmouse, later applied to this unrelated species due to superficial resemblance.
Examples:
- 1. The hyrax basked in the sun on a rocky outcrop.
- 2. Hyraxes live in colonies and communicate with sharp calls.
- 3. The hyrax’s closest relatives are elephants and manatees.
- 4. We spotted a hyrax hiding among the boulders.