common lynx

6.4

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

noun
/ˈkɑːmən lɪŋks/

: lince común

The common lynx is found in forests and mountainous regions across northern and eastern Europe.

Examples

The thick fur of the common lynx helps it survive harsh winter climates.
The common lynx is known for its distinctive tufted ears and short tail.
Conservation efforts have helped increase the population of the common lynx in some countries.
The common lynx is known for its distinctive tufted ears.
I spotted a common lynx during my hike in the forest.
Conservation efforts have helped increase the population of the common lynx in some countries.
I spotted a common lynx during my hike in the forest.

Synonyms

lynx

vscommon lynx

4 6.2

A wild cat with a short tail, ear tufts, and thick fur

is the specific Eurasian species rather than a general genus grouping

Lynx lynx

vscommon lynx

Specialized

8.7

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

is the everyday name for the same animal rather than the scientific label

Surface Forms

common lynx singular

common lynxes plural

common lynx plural

Morphology

common + lynx

The noun phrase 'common lynx' is directly compositional: 'common' (typical/frequently occurring) modifies 'lynx' (a wildcat), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a usual/type of lynx. This straightforward adjective + noun combination follows normal cross-linguistic patterns and is therefore immediately understandable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Common lynx pairs common, meaning 'usual', with lynx, a watchful forest cat with little tufts on its ears and a short tail. So the name helps you remember that this is the lynx species found in many parts of northern and eastern Europe.