Caninities

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Traits or qualities characteristic of dogs; behaviors, attributes, or features resembling those of canines; aspects reflecting the nature or essence of dogs
2. The state or condition of exhibiting dog-like characteristics; features or habits typical of dog species; manifestations of canine nature or tendencies
3. Distinctive canine properties, including physical and behavioral traits; the essence or identity associated with dogs; representations of dog-related qualities or conduct

Etymology: "Caninities" is the plural of "caninity," a noun formed from "canine" with the suffix "-ity," which turns an adjective into a noun meaning a quality or state. "Canine" itself comes from the Latin "caninus," meaning "of a dog," from "canis," dog. So "caninity" is simply the quality of being dog-like, and its plural names the individual dog-like traits or behaviours themselves. The suffix "-ity" arrived in English through Old French "-ité" from Latin "-itas," and it was attached freely to adjectives such as "canine" to produce abstract nouns. The result is a plain, transparent formation rather than a word with a dramatic backstory, and its meaning follows directly from its parts.

Synonyms: graying hair, whiteness of hair

Antonyms: dark hair