Feliform

/ˈfiːlɪfɔːrm/ adjective

Definition

Having the form or shape of a cat; resembling a cat in structure or appearance.

Etymology

From Latin feles (cat) plus -form (from forma, meaning shape). This scientific descriptor was created to describe organisms with cat-like characteristics.

Kelly Says

Feliform is one half of the great Carnivora divide—while feliformes are the sleek, ambush hunters with retractable claws, caniforms are the pursuits hunters. It's a fundamental split in how predators evolved 40 million years ago.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.