lynx

[ lingks ]

noun

plural: lynxes (especially collectively) lynx genitive: Lyncis [lin, -sis].

1. any of several wildcats of the genus Lynx (or Felis ), having long limbs, a short tail, and usually tufted ears, especially L. lynx Canada lynx, of Canada and the northern United States, having grayish-brown fur marked with white.
2. genitive Lyncis [lin, -sis]. (initial capital letter) Astronomy. a northern constellation between Ursa Major and Auriga.

lynx

¹

/ lɪŋks /

noun

1. a feline mammal, Felis lynx (or canadensis ), of Europe and North America, with grey-brown mottled fur, tufted ears, and a short tail lyncean
2. the fur of this animal
3. bay lynx
   another name for bobcat
4. desert lynx
   another name for caracal
5. Also calledPolish lynx a large fancy pigeon from Poland, with spangled or laced markings

Lynx

²

/ lɪŋks /

noun

1. a faint constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Ursa Major and Cancer

Derived Forms

• ˈlynxˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• lynxlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lynx¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin, from Greek lýnx

Word History and Origins

Origin of lynx¹

C14: via Latin from Greek lunx; related to Old English lox, German Luchs

Example Sentences

Mr Metelskiy captured a serene image of a lynx stretching in the evening sun, blending into the wilderness.

From BBC

On Thursday the IUCN, which categorises species according to the level of risk they face in a "red list", bumped the Iberian lynx from "endangered" to "vulnerable" after a significant surge in numbers.

From BBC

In 2001, there were only 62 mature Iberian lynx — medium-sized, mottled brown cats with characteristic pointed ears and a pair of beard-like tufts of facial hair — on the Iberian Peninsula.

From Seattle Times

Frigid winters, food scarcity, intense competition for territories and the threat of becoming prey to large predators like the Canada lynx are just some of the trials they face.

From Science Daily

A broader past could mean a brighter future for Canada lynx in the U.S., according to recent research.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• bobcat
• wildcat