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Glite Dictionary
Panthera onca

Panthera onca

7.0
A large spotted wild cat from Central and South America also called the jaguar
  • noun
  • /ˈpænθərə ˈɒŋkə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : jaguar
  • The Panthera onca is the only big cat species native to the Americas.

Examples

  • Scientists monitor the habitat of Panthera onca to protect it from deforestation.

  • The Panthera onca has a distinctive pattern of dark rosettes on its fur, making it easily recognizable among other big cats.

  • In zoos, Panthera onca is displayed alongside other large felines for educational purposes.

  • The Panthera onca is known for its powerful bite.

  • Did you know that the Panthera onca can weigh up to 250 pounds?

  • In the Amazon rainforest, the Panthera onca plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem as a top predator.

  • Due to its beautiful coat and strength, the Panthera onca is often the target of poachers, threatening its survival.

Synonyms

jaguar
vsPanthera onca
  • US
83 3.4

A large strong spotted wild cat that lives in Central and South America

is the scientific name used in biology for the same species

Surface Forms

Panthera onca singular
Panthera oncas plural

Morphology

Panthera + onca

This is a Linnaean binomial (genus + species): 'Panthera' hints at big cats but 'onca' is not an English lexical item with a recoverable meaning, so the combination does not compositionally yield 'jaguar'. Scientific names are arbitrary taxonomic labels rather than transparent English phrases, so a B1 learner who knows the parts would not be able to infer the common‑name meaning without prior exposure.

Etymology

Panthera onca may come from old words: Panthera meaning a big spotted cat and onca coming from a native word in South America for the 'jaguar'. So, the name simply points to the animal we call the jaguar today.