How Do You Spell FELIFORM?

Pronunciation: [fˈɛlɪfˌɔːm] (IPA)

Feliform is a word used to describe a suborder of carnivorous mammals including cats, hyenas, and mongooses. The spelling of "feliform" is derived from the Latin word "felis," which means cat, and the suffix "-form," indicating the shape or form of something. The IPA transcription for "feliform" is /ˈfiːlɪfɔːrm/, with the long "e" sound in the first syllable, an "i" in the second syllable pronounced like the "i" in "it," a short "o" sound in the third syllable, and the emphasis on the first syllable.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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FELIFORM Meaning and Definition

  1. Feliform refers to a suborder of carnivorous mammals that includes various species of carnivores characterized by their cat-like appearance and behavior. The term is derived from the Latin word "felis," meaning cat, and the suffix "-form" meaning having the form or shape of. Feliforms are distinguished by their specific anatomical and behavioral traits that are common to the order Carnivora, but with a strong resemblance to the family Felidae, comprising the true cats.

    These feliforms display features such as a flexible backbone, retractable claws, and keen senses including excellent night vision and a well-developed sense of hearing. They possess a carnivorous dentition, adapted to tearing meat, with sharp, cutting teeth. Some iconic examples of feliforms include cat-like creatures like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and domestic cats, as well as various other forms like mongooses, civets, and hyenas.

    Feliforms exhibit a range of sizes, body shapes, and ecological adaptations, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments. They are found in diverse habitats worldwide, showcasing adaptations to different lifestyles, from solitary ambush predators to social hunters. Due to their close affinity to felids, feliforms are often called "cat-like" animals, even though they may not belong to the felid family.

Etymology of FELIFORM

The word "feliform" is derived from two Latin roots: "felis" which means "cat" and "forma" which means "shape" or "form". Therefore, "feliform" refers to creatures or organisms that have a shape or form resembling that of cats.