canis lupus

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The term "canis lupus" is the scientific name for the animal commonly known as the wolf. Here’s a breakdown of the word and its usage:

Basic Explanation:

• Canis lupus is a Latin phrase where "canis" means "dog" and "lupus" means "wolf." So, it refers to the species of wolf. Wolves are known for their grey coats and are usually found in forested areas, especially in the northern parts of North America.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• How to Use: You can use "canis lupus" when discussing wildlife, biology, or when referring to wolves in a scientific context.

Example Sentence:

• "The canis lupus is an important predator in the ecosystem of North America."

Advanced Usage:

• In scientific discussions, you might use "canis lupus" to talk about different subspecies of wolves or their behavior in the wild. For example:
  • "Research on canis lupus has shown that they have complex social structures."

Word Variants:

• Canids: This is a broader term that includes all members of the dog family, such as foxes, coyotes, and domestic dogs.
• Lupine: An adjective derived from "lupus," often used to describe something that resembles a wolf or is wolf-like.

Different Meanings:

• The term "canis lupus" specifically refers to the species of wolf. However, the word "wolf" can have different meanings in various contexts, such as:
  • A metaphor for someone who is predatory or aggressive in business or relationships (e.g., "He's a wolf in sheep's clothing").

Synonyms:

• Wolf
• Grey wolf (specifically referring to the typical color of the species)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Wolf down": This means to eat something very quickly. Example: "He wolfed down his dinner before leaving for the party."
• "A wolf in sheep's clothing": This idiom describes someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous or deceptive.

Summary:

"Canis lupus" is the scientific name for the wolf, a wild animal known for its intelligence and social behavior. It is important in nature and has various meanings and uses in language, especially in literature and idiomatic expressions.

Academic

Noun

1. a wolf with a brindled grey coat living in forested northern regions of North America

Synonyms

• timber wolf
• grey wolf
• gray wolf
• Canis lupus