Hyena

Pronunciation

• enPR: hÄ«-ēʹnÉ™, IPA: /haɪˈiːnÉ™/

Alternative forms

• hyaena
• hyæna dated

Origin

Old French hyene, from Latin hyaena, from Ancient Greek ὕαινα.

Full definition of hyena

Noun

1. Large, canine‐resembling carnivore belonging to the family Hyaenidae, native to Africa and Asia, often notable for the sound similar to laughter which it can make if excited.

Derived terms

• brown hyena
• spotted hyena
• striped hyena