Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
genus Acinonyx

genus Acinonyx

9.9
A group of big cats that includes cheetahs
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs əˈsɪnəˌnɪks/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Acinonyx
  • The genus Acinonyx includes the fastest land animal, the cheetah.

Examples

  • The genus Acinonyx is best known for its only living species, the cheetah.

  • Unlike other big cats, members of the genus Acinonyx have non-retractable claws.

  • Scientists are studying the evolutionary history of the genus Acinonyx to understand cheetah adaptation.

  • Did you know that the genus Acinonyx is known for its incredible speed?

  • The genus Acinonyx includes the cheetah, which can run at speeds up to 75 miles per hour.

  • Researchers categorize the genus Acinonyx as part of the larger Felidae family of cats.

  • The genus Acinonyx is primarily found in Africa, where its sole species, the cheetah, resides.

Synonyms

Acinonyx
vsgenus Acinonyx
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large cats that includes the cheetah

emphasizes the scientific grouping that consists of those animals

Surface Forms

genus Acinonyx singular
genera Acinonyx plural

Morphology

genus + Acinonyx

The meaning is directly compositional: 'genus' names a taxonomic rank and 'Acinonyx' is the proper name of that rank, so a learner can infer 'the genus called Acinonyx' (i.e., the taxonomic group containing cheetahs). This biological naming pattern is cross-linguistically regular and follows standard noun + name composition, making it immediately understandable to someone who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Genus Acinonyx may come from old Greek parts a- and -onyx, meaning 'no' and 'claw'. This gives a simple picture of a cat whose claws stay out instead of pulling back, and that image fits cheetahs, so the name is used for the group of cheetahs.