feline

American  

[fee-lahyn] / ˈfi laɪn /

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the cat family, Felidae.

2. catlike; characteristic of animals of the cat family.

   a feline tread.

3. sly, stealthy, or treacherous.

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noun

1. an animal of the cat family.

feline British  

/ fɪˈlɪnɪtɪ, ˈfiːlaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Felidae , a family of predatory mammals, including cats, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, typically having a round head and retractile claws: order Carnivora (carnivores)

2. resembling or suggestive of a cat, esp in stealth or grace

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noun

1. any animal belonging to the family Felidae ; a cat

feline Scientific  

/ fē′līn′ /

1. Characteristic of or resembling felids.

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Other Word Forms

• felinely adverb
• felineness noun
• felinity noun
• unfeline adjective

Etymology

Origin of feline

1675–85; < Latin fēl ( ēs ) ( Felis ) + -ine ¹; compare Late Latin fēlīneus of a wild cat

Example Sentences

In true feline style, cats took their time in deciding when and where to forge bonds with humans.

From BBC

She snagged a wing on the rubberized feline and plunged into a dive over Queens.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the master bedroom, a “cat door” slides open to provide easy access for felines that hang around the property.

From Los Angeles Times

Obesity is widespread among domestic cats and dogs, with recent surveys estimating that 50-60% fall into the overweight category, which has contributed to yearly increases in feline diabetes.

From Science Daily

Naomi, held on a leash by student Trinity Astilla, was the picture of lithe, feline elegance as she slunk around a dusty enclosure, briefly hopping atop her crate — but not into it.

From Los Angeles Times