A hyena is a wild, doglike animal found mainly in Africa and Asia, known for its powerful jaws and loud, laughing-like calls. It is often a scavenger but also hunts in packs.
From Latin "hyaena," from Greek "hyaina," related to "hys" meaning "pig," probably referring to its bristly back hair and odd appearance. Over time, the word settled on these unique carnivores we know today.
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