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Glite Dictionary
margay

margay

9.9
A small spotted wildcat from Central and South America that lives and climbs in trees
  • noun
  • /ˈmɑrɡeɪ/
  • US
translation icon : margay
  • An absolute example of genetically based behavior is that of a wild cat (Margay) raised from infancy to adulthood by humans.

Examples

  • At the wildlife sanctuary, the margay played among the branches, demonstrating its skill as a tree-dwelling cat.

  • Others, such as jaguars, ocelots, margays, manatees, and river otters, responded well but more slowly.

    Academic text (1990)

  • While hiking in the Amazon rainforest, we were thrilled to see a margay climbing effortlessly up a tall tree.

  • The documentary featured a rare glimpse of a margay hunting in the treetops, showcasing its remarkable agility.

Synonyms

Felis wiedi
vsmargay
  • Specialized
9.9

A small spotted wild cat from southern Texas to Brazil, also called the margay

is the common name rather than the scientific label
margay cat
vsmargay
  • US
9.5

Small spotted wild cat that lives in trees in Central and South America

stresses agility and tree-dwelling habits rather than range

Compounds

margay cat
  • US
9.5

Small spotted wild cat that lives in trees in Central and South America

Surface Forms

margay singular
margays plural

Etymology

Margay comes from Portuguese, probably from an indigenous South American word like margai, and was the local name for the animal. So the name itself points to this small, spotted wildcat that lives in the trees of Central and South America.