Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

ferae naturae

American  
[fee-ree nuh-toor-ee, -tyoor-ee] / ˈfi ri nəˈtʊər i, -ˈtjʊər i /

adjective

Law.
  1. (of animals) wild or undomesticated (distinguished from domitae naturae).


Etymology

Origin of ferae naturae

1655–65; < Latin: literally, of a wild nature

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The most destructive of the ferae naturae, as regards human life, are, however, the snakes.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 7 "Arundel, Thomas" to "Athens" by Various

Orchids must be classed with ferae naturae in which a landowner has no property.

From The Woodlands Orchids by Frederick Boyle

"When Diana takes the field the chase is not wholly confined to objects ferae naturae," said Guy, darting a significant glance at his companion.

From Condensed Novels by Bret Harte

Lord Salisbury replied that fur seals were wild animals, ferae naturae, and not the property of any individual until captured.

From The United States Since the Civil War by Charles Ramsdell Lingley

Coming out of an uncertain past, based on some dark legend of heart-break or blood-shed, they bear no author's name, but are ferae naturae and have the flavor of wild game.

From A History of English Romanticism in the Eighteenth Century by Henry A. (Henry Augustin) Beers

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Just like flashcards, but way more fun

Don't take our word for it. Leave the boring studying behind and join VocabTrainer today. You'll learn even faster and never look back.

Take me to Vocabulary.com