noun
hyrax
HY-raks
Hyrax (noun) means a small, stocky mammal with a bulky body and fang-like front teeth, native to Africa and the Middle East. Example: “A hyrax sunned itself on the rock ledge above the gorge.”
noun
1
A small, stocky mammal with a bulky body and fang-like front teeth, native to Africa and the Middle East.
"A hyrax sunned itself on the rock ledge above the gorge."
"Hyraxes live in colonies among rocky outcrops and cliffs."
"The guide pointed out a hyrax hiding under a boulder."
How to use hyrax
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hyrax is a small, rabbit-sized mammal that lives on rocks or in trees in Africa and the Middle East.
When to use it
Hyrax is a standard zoological term used in both everyday and scientific writing.
Common pairings
rock hyrax
tree hyrax
hyrax colony
bush hyrax
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A _____ sunned itself on the rock ledge above the gorge.
Etymology
Hyrax comes from New Latin, which in turn took the word from the Ancient Greek hyrax, meaning shrewmouse.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is a hyrax related to?
Hyraxes belong to their own mammal family, Procaviidae, within the order Hyracoidea.
Where do hyraxes live?
They are native to Africa and the Middle East, usually among rocks or in trees.
What is another name for a hyrax?
Hyraxes are also called coneys, dassies, or damans in different regions.
What is the meaning of hyrax?
"hyrax" (noun) means a small, stocky mammal with a bulky body and fang-like front teeth, native to Africa and the Middle East.
