Aardwolves

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɑɹdˌwʊlvz/

Definitions

1. A species of nocturnal carnivorous mammals related to hyenas, characterized by long legs and a slender body
2. A type of small African predator, known for its insectivorous diet, which primarily consists of termites and ants
3. A member of the family Hyaenidae, these animals are noted for their unique hunting habits and distinctive vocalizations

Etymology: The aardwolf is a small, mostly nocturnal hyena-like animal of southern and eastern Africa, and its name is a Dutch compound that means "earth wolf." The first element, "aard," is Dutch for "earth," and it traces back to the same ancient root as English "earth." The reason for the name is simple: the animal spends its days resting in burrows dug into the ground. The second element, "wolf," is the familiar word, though the animal is not a wolf at all. The name was borrowed into English from South African Dutch, where "aardwolf" was already in use, and it came with Afrikaans and Dutch spellings. English speakers then reshaped it, and the pronunciation of the second part now matches English "wolf." That influence explains a curious plural: "aardwolves," following the English pattern of "wolf" to "wolves," rather than the Dutch plural "aardwolven."

Synonyms: hyenas, civets