Lynx lynx

8.7

The scientific name for a large wild cat that lives in northern Eurasia

noun

Specialized

: Lynx lynx

In biology class, we learned that Lynx lynx is the scientific name for the Eurasian lynx.

Examples

The Lynx lynx is known for its tufted ears.
Wildlife biologists tracked the elusive Lynx lynx in the dense Siberian forests.
In biology class, we learned that Lynx lynx is the scientific name for the Eurasian lynx.
The conservation efforts have led to an increase in the Lynx lynx population.
Many people are fascinated by the Lynx lynx.
The conservation efforts have led to an increase in the Lynx lynx population.
Wildlife biologists tracked the elusive Lynx lynx in the dense Siberian forests.

Synonyms

common lynx

vsLynx lynx

6.4

A large wild cat with tufted ears and a short tail that lives in northern Europe and Asia

is the formal scientific name used for that species in taxonomy

Surface Forms

Lynx lynx singular

Lynx lynxes plural

Morphology

Lynx + Lynx

Both constituents are the common noun 'lynx' meaning a wild cat, so a learner who knows that word will readily infer the phrase refers to a lynx (i.e. a type of wild cat). However, the form is a scientific binomial (genus + species) specifying the Eurasian lynx, and that taxonomic convention and the precise species identity are not fully predictable for a B1 learner, so the transparency is partial.

Etymology

Lynx lynx may come from an old Greek word that meant 'light' or 'brightness' because people long ago noticed the lynx's very bright, shining eyes. Scientists still use the same word twice as the animal's official name today, so the idea of the lynx's bright eyes helps you remember which animal 'Lynx lynx' means.