rock hyrax

noun

1. an African and Middle Eastern hyrax of the genus Procavia that lives in rocky places.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock hyrax¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Keepers at Longleat Safari Park have welcomed the surprise arrival of Arabian rock hyrax triplets.

From BBC

I was in South Africa recently, and I visited Table Mountain, home to the rock hyrax, a small thing that looks like a rodent.

From Washington Post

But studies of rock hyrax calls appear to show that they employ syntax.

From The Guardian

In contrast, humans sport only two copies of the gene for p53, and so does elephants’ closest living relative, the rock hyrax.

From Science Magazine

Another well-established example of deceptive looks in the animal kingdom involves the rock hyrax, elephant and manatee.

From New York Times