feline

[fee-lahyn]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the cat family, Felidae.

2. catlike; characteristic of animals of the cat family.

   a feline tread.

3. sly, stealthy, or treacherous.

noun

1. an animal of the cat family.

feline

/ fɪˈlɪnɪtɪ, ˈfiːlaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Felidae , a family of predatory mammals, including cats, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, typically having a round head and retractile claws: order Carnivora (carnivores)

2. resembling or suggestive of a cat, esp in stealth or grace

noun

1. any animal belonging to the family Felidae ; a cat

feline

1. Characteristic of or resembling felids.

Other Word Forms

• felinely adverb
• felineness noun
• felinity noun
• unfeline adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of feline¹

1675–85; < Latin fēl ( ēs ) ( Felis ) + -ine ¹; compare Late Latin fēlīneus of a wild cat

Word History and Origins

Origin of feline¹

C17: from Latin fēlīnus , from fēlēs cat

Example Sentences

She snagged a wing on the rubberized feline and plunged into a dive over Queens.

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In the master bedroom, a “cat door” slides open to provide easy access for felines that hang around the property.

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With the bored indifference that cats exhibit even when they are doing as they have been told, the feline troublemaker moseyed over to Cassiopeia and allowed herself to be picked up.

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Obesity is widespread among domestic cats and dogs, with recent surveys estimating that 50-60% fall into the overweight category, which has contributed to yearly increases in feline diabetes.

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Naomi, held on a leash by student Trinity Astilla, was the picture of lithe, feline elegance as she slunk around a dusty enclosure, briefly hopping atop her crate — but not into it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times