How Do You Spell CATAMOUNT?

Pronunciation: [kˈatɐmˌa͡ʊnt] (IPA)

The word "catamount" refers to a wild animal, typically a cougar or a lynx. The spelling of this word may seem unusual, but it follows the standard English orthographic conventions. The "cata-" prefix indicates "cat," and the "-mount" suffix denotes "mountain." Thus, "catamount" refers to a wildcat that inhabits the mountains. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /ˈkætəmaʊnt/, with stress on the second syllable.

CATAMOUNT Meaning and Definition

1. Catamount, noun

   Pronunciation: \ˈka-tə-ˌmau̇nt\

   Origin: Catamount is derived from the combination of the words "cat" and "amount." "Cat" referring to the felid species of mammals known for their agility, sharp claws, and nocturnal behavior, and "amount" referring to the quantity or measure.

   Definition:

   1. A North American wildcat species, scientifically known as Felis concolor, characterized by its sleek and muscular body, tawny or brownish coat, and a long, slender tail. Also referred to as the cougar, puma, or mountain lion, the catamount is distinguished by its distinctive large size, proficient hunting skills, and its ability to adapt to diverse habitats.

   2. In colloquial usage, catamount refers to a mythical or fictional creature, often depicted as a ferocious and elusive feline creature, with reported sightings and folklore being especially prevalent in regions of North America. These accounts often describe the catamount as having supernatural abilities and a mysterious aura.

   3. In figurative language, catamount can be used metaphorically to describe a fearsome or untamed person, characterized by their independence, cunning, or unyielding nature. This usage suggests an individual with a strong and determined character, who is not easily controlled or influenced.

2. Also mountain the wild mountain-cat; the N. Amer. tiger.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CATAMOUNT

• xatamount
• vatamount
• fatamount
• datamount
• cztamount
• cstamount
• cwtamount
• cqtamount
• caramount
• cafamount
• cagamount
• cayamount
• ca6amount
• ca5amount
• catzmount
• catsmount
• catwmount
• catqmount
• catanount

Etymology of CATAMOUNT

The word "catamount" has a complex etymology. It is derived from "catamountain", which is a blend of "cat" and "mountain".

The word "cat" comes from the Old English word "catt" and can be traced back to the Late Latin word "cattus". "Catamountain" was originally used to refer to any wild cat, particularly those encountered in the mountains, and it is first recorded in the early 19th century.

"Catamountain" later underwent a process called folk etymology, where people reinterpreted the word based on similarity to other words. This led to the creation of the word "catamount" as an alternative form of "catamountain", which later became the more popular term.

Nowadays, "catamount" is mainly used to refer to the cougar or mountain lion, a large wild cat found in North and South America.

Similar spelling words for CATAMOUNT

• catamountain,
• comment,
• coatimondi,
• katmandu,
• Kattimundoo,
• garment,
• diamond,
• gudmund,
• catamenial,
• coatimundi,
• CDMNET,
• catmint,
• catamenia,
• goddamnit,
• khatmandu,
• goddamned.

Plural form of CATAMOUNT is CATAMOUNTS