fauna

[ faw-nuh ]

noun

, plural fau·nas, fau·nae [faw, -nee].

1. the animals of a given region or period considered as a whole.
2. a treatise on the animals of a given region or period.
3. (initial capital letter) Roman Religion. Bona Dea.

fauna

/ ˈfɔːnə /

noun

1. all the animal life of a given place or time, esp when distinguished from the plant life (flora)
2. a descriptive list of such animals

fauna

/ fô′nə /

, Plural faunas fô′nē′

1. The animals of a particular region or time period.

fauna

1. Animals, especially the animals of a particular place and time.

Derived Forms

• ˈfaunal, adjective
• ˈfaunally, adverb

Other Words From

• faunal adjective
• faunal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of fauna¹

1765–75; < New Latin, special use of Latin Fauna, a feminine counterpart to Faunus; Flora

Word History and Origins

Origin of fauna¹

C18: from New Latin, from Late Latin Fauna a goddess, sister of Faunus

Example Sentences

For that forest to prosper, many of the pre-existing flora and fauna have been decimated or exiled.

From Salon

This overexploitation of Brazil's green lung destroys the habitats of many species of flora and fauna and also accelerates climate change.

From Science Daily

Organized by a nonprofit organization called The 3F Initiative, the two governments are proposing that fungi be included alongside flora sand fauna as a separate realm for conservation efforts.

From Salon

After a brief stop there to learn about the preserve’s flora and fauna, turn right onto Cove Road and make your way to Dana Point Harbor.

From Los Angeles Times

“Everywhere that cheese is made has native flora and fauna which will impact the cheese, both in the milk and in the aging,” Chris Osborne, cheesemaker at Blackberry Farm, told Wine Enthusiast in 2020.

From Salon