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Glite Dictionary
panther cat

panther cat

9.1
A small wild cat from Central and South America that is active at night and has dark spots
  • noun
translation icon : gato pantera
  • Researchers have tracked several panther cats to study their nocturnal hunting habits.

Examples

  • The panther cat is well known for its agility and stealth in the dense rainforests.

  • The unique coat pattern of the panther cat helps it blend into the forest underbrush.

  • The panther cat is known for its beautiful spotted coat.

  • Many panther cats are found in the rainforests of South America.

  • Researchers have tracked several panther cats to study their nocturnal hunting habits.

  • The panther cat is well known for its agility and stealth in the dense rainforests.

  • The unique coat pattern of the panther cat helps it blend into the forest underbrush.

Synonyms

ocelot
vspanther cat
  • US
5 8.4

A wild cat with brown fur and dark spots from Central and South America that is active at night

is an alternate common name for the same animal
Felis pardalis
vspanther cat
  • Specialized
9.7

A wild cat that hunts at night in Central and South America with a spotted brown coat

is the common name used instead of the Latin scientific form

Surface Forms

panther cat singular
panther cats plural

Morphology

panther + cat

The compound 'panther cat' is compositionally a type-of construction (panther + cat) so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a kind of cat related to or like a panther — i.e., a wild feline. While precise biological details (nocturnal habits or exact coat color) may not be predictable, the basic meaning 'a kind of wild cat' is directly derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Panther cat gets its name from the animal's look: a small wild cat with a dark, spotted coat and quiet movements that made people think of a tiny panther. So the name helps you remember it is a wild cat 'active at night' and very good at hiding.