taxidermy

[ tak-si-dur-mee ]

noun

1. the art of preparing and preserving the skins of animals and of stuffing and mounting them in lifelike form.

taxidermy

/ ˈtæksɪˌdɜːmɪ /

noun

1. the art or process of preparing, stuffing, and mounting animal skins so that they have a lifelike appearance

Derived Forms

• ˈtaxiˌdermist, noun
• ˌtaxiˈdermal, adjective

Other Words From

• taxi·dermal taxi·dermic adjective
• taxi·dermist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of taxidermy¹

1810–20; taxi- + Greek dérm ( a ) skin ( derma ¹ ) + -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of taxidermy¹

C19: from Greek taxis arrangement + -dermy, from Greek derma skin

Example Sentences

Janney’s former showgirl character populates her mansion with taxidermy birds who reflect the plumage of her old career and because, “she is kind of a prisoner in her birdcage of a house with her marriage.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We created our own taxidermy flamingo because there was not a taxidermied flamingo to be found in this town,” Reede said.

From Los Angeles Times

Once again, the setting is an old creepy mansion filled with taxidermy and firelight.

From Los Angeles Times

Southeast London has temporarily lost one of its most famous residents: a giant taxidermy walrus that has been on display for more than a century.

From New York Times

The gallery, which in addition to the walrus holds other taxidermy animals, skeletons and insects, is being shuttered while the museum redevelops the space, with a focus on “environmental sustainability and a commitment to fighting the climate emergency,” according to the museum’s website.

From New York Times