feline
FEE-lyn
/ˈfiːlaɪn/
Relating to or resembling a cat or other member of the cat family (Felidae); or (as a noun) a cat.
Used to describe cat-like movements (graceful, stealthy) or in scientific and veterinary contexts to refer to domestic cats and wild big cats.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'felinus', which comes from 'feles' (cat). In ancient Rome, 'feles' was initially used for small carnivores like weasels or martens, but eventually became the exclusive word for domestic cats as they became popular household pest-hunters.
Word relationships
- cat: 'Cat' is the common, everyday word, while 'feline' is the scientific, literary, or formal term.
- cat-like: 'Cat-like' is a descriptive adjective, whereas 'feline' is both a formal adjective and a noun.
- canine: Relating to dogs.
Commonly confused with
- feline: Often compared with 'canine' (dog) and 'lupine' (wolf) as part of the Latin-derived animal adjectives.
Word family
- felid (noun): A mammal of the cat family (Felidae).
Collocations
- feline grace
- feline leukemia
- feline companion
Example sentences
- "She moved across the stage with a feline grace, silent and perfectly balanced." A description of a dancer's movements.
- "Feline leukemia is a highly contagious viral infection among outdoor cat populations." A veterinary textbook.
Memory hook
Feline starts with 'FE', like 'FE-line'. Imagine a cat walking gracefully along a thin line. Felines walk the line with grace.
When not to use
Do not use in casual contexts where 'cat' or 'kitty' is more appropriate for expressing affection.
Fun facts
- The cheetah is the only feline that cannot fully retract its claws, which act like running cleats to help it accelerate.
Related words
Also appears in
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