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animal definition

ani·mal (ani məl)

noun

  1. any of a kingdom (Animalia) of eukaryotes generally characterized by a multicellular body, the ability to move quickly and obtain food, specialized sense organs, and sexual reproduction
  2. any such organism other than a human being, esp. a mammal or, often, any four-footed creature
  3. a brutish, debased, or inhuman person
  4. Informal a person, thing, concept, etc. thought of as a kind or type today's athlete is another animal altogether

Etymology: L, living being < anima, animus, breath, air, life principle, soul < IE base *an(e)-, to breathe, exhale > Gr anemos, Sans anilas, wind, breath, OE antha, excitement, anger

adjective

  1. of, like, or derived from animals
  2. physical rather than mental or spiritual; specif., sensual, gross, bestial, etc.

Related Forms:

animal Idioms

the animal

animal nature; animality it's the animal in him

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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