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Glite Dictionary
Canis rufus

Canis rufus

9.4
A reddish-grey wolf from the southeastern United States called the red wolf
  • noun
  • /ˈkeɪnɪs ˈruːfəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lobo rojo
  • Unlike other wolves, Canis rufus has a distinctive reddish-grey coat.

Examples

  • Researchers are working to reintroduce Canis rufus into their natural habitat.

  • The Canis rufus population has become critically endangered in the wild.

  • The Canis rufus is critically endangered.

  • Have you ever seen a Canis rufus in the wild?

  • Efforts are being made to preserve the Canis rufus, a unique species native to the southeastern United States.

  • The Canis rufus is a vital part of the ecosystem, helping to control the population of smaller animals.

  • Wildlife experts are studying the behaviors of Canis rufus to better understand their needs in the wild.

Synonyms

red wolf
vsCanis rufus
  • US
1 8.6

A rare reddish-grey wolf that lives in the southeastern United States

is the scientific species name for the same animal
Canis niger
vsCanis rufus
  • Specialized
9.9

A reddish grey wolf that lives in southwestern North America

is native to the southeastern United States instead

Surface Forms

Canis rufus singular
Canis rufus plural

Morphology

Canis + rufus

This is a Latin binomial composed of Canis (the dog/wolf genus) plus rufus (Latin for 'red' or 'reddish'), so a learner who knows these constituents can infer it refers to a red dog/wolf (the red wolf). Taxonomic Latin names are compositional and widely used across languages, making the meaning predictable from the parts for someone who knows the component words.

Etymology

Canis rufus comes from Latin words: Canis means 'dog' and rufus means 'red'. So the name fits the animal today, a reddish-grey wolf often called the 'red wolf'.