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Glite Dictionary
genus Hyaena

genus Hyaena

9.9
A group of hyena species in scientific classification
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs haɪˈiːnə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Hyaena
  • The genus Hyaena includes the striped hyena, one of the most widespread species of its family.

Examples

  • Unlike other hyenas, members of the genus Hyaena possess certain unique dental features.

  • Taxonomists have long debated which species should be classified under the genus Hyaena.

  • The genus Hyaena includes species such as the spotted hyena.

  • Did you know that genus Hyaena is known for its scavenging behavior?

  • Taxonomists have long debated which species should be classified under the genus Hyaena.

  • The genus Hyaena includes the striped hyena, one of the most widespread species of its family.

  • Unlike other hyenas, members of the genus Hyaena possess certain unique dental features.

Surface Forms

genus Hyaena singular
genera Hyaena plural

Morphology

genus + hyaena

The phrase is directly compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank grouping related species) combined with 'Hyaena' (hyena) yields the taxonomic group containing hyenas. This naming pattern is standard in biology and across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Genus Hyaena gets its name from an old Greek word for the animal 'hyena', and in biology genus is the name for a group of very similar species. Because this group was the main example for their family, Hyaena is the name scientists use for those specific hyena species.