cougar
/'ku:gə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A large American wild cat: A cougar is a large, powerful feline native to the Americas. It has a tawny brown coat and is known for its agility and solitary nature. It is also commonly called a mountain lion, puma, or panther in different regions.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The hikers were warned about a cougar sighting in the national park.
- The cougar is an apex predator that plays a crucial role in its ecosystem.
Advanced Usage
- "To be a cougar" (Informal/Slang): In modern informal English, the term is sometimes used to describe an older woman who seeks romantic relationships with significantly younger men. This usage is distinct from the zoological meaning.
- The tabloid magazine referred to the famous actress as a cougar due to her new boyfriend's age.
Variants and Related Words
- Mountain lion (n): Another common name for the cougar, especially in western North America.
- Puma (n): A synonym for cougar, used globally.
- Panther (n): In North America, this term can refer to a cougar, especially one with a dark (melanistic) coat.
- Catamount (n): A regional, chiefly historical name for the cougar.
Synonyms
- Mountain lion: A large American wild cat.
- Puma: A large American wild cat.
- Felis concolor: The scientific name for the species.
Related Phrases
- Ghost of the Rockies: A poetic nickname for the cougar, alluding to its elusive nature in mountainous regions.
Related Idioms
Noun
- large American feline resembling a lion