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Ocelot - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An ocelot is a small wild cat with a golden-yellow coat marked with black spots and stripes. It lives in forests and grasslands of the Americas and is known for its agility and nocturnal habits.

ocelot

/ˈɑsəˌlɑt/ /ˈɒsəlɒt/

Definition:

A small wild cat with a yellowish coat and black spots, native to Central and South America.

Synonyms:

wildcat, leopard cat, margay

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

domestic cat, tabby

Common Collocations:

spotted ocelot, ocelot fur, ocelot habitat

Derivatives:

ocelots, ocelot-like

Usage Tips:

Use "ocelot" to describe the animal; avoid confusion with similar small wild cats like margays or servals.

Common Phrases:

spotted like an ocelot, sleek as an ocelot

Etymology:

Derived from Nahuatl "ocēlōtl," meaning "jaguar" or "field tiger."

Examples:

  • 1. The ocelot prowled through the dense jungle at night.
  • 2. Her coat had a pattern resembling an ocelot's spots.
  • 3. We saw an ocelot at the zoo yesterday.
  • 4. Ocelots are skilled climbers and hunters.

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