hyrax

[ hahy-raks ]

noun

, plural hy·rax·es, hy·ra·ces [hahy, -r, uh, -seez].

1. any of several species of small mammals of the order Hyracoidea, of Africa and the Mediterranean region, having short legs, ears, and tail, and hooflike nails on the toes.

hyrax

/ ˈhaɪræks /

noun

1. any agile herbivorous mammal of the family Procaviidae and order Hyracoidea, of Africa and SW Asia, such as Procavia capensis ( rock hyrax ). They resemble rodents but have feet with hooflike toes Also calleddassie(South African)rock rabbit

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyrax¹

1825–35; < New Latin < Greek hýrax (genitive hýrakos ) shrewmouse

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyrax¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek hurax shrewmouse; probably related to Latin sōrex

Example Sentences

In situations which suit it, the Hyrax is very plentiful, and is much hunted by the natives, who esteem its flesh very highly.

From Project Gutenberg

These latter never possess a decidua, whereas Elephants and Hyrax are genuine Deciduata.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the hyrax, or coney, as it is called in the Bible, which almost anybody would mistake at first sight for a rodent.

From Project Gutenberg

The gall-bladder is usually present in mammals, but is wanting in the odd-toed ungulates (Perissodactyla) and Procavia (Hyrax).

From Project Gutenberg

The following account of the Hyrax has been furnished to me by Lt.-Col.

From Project Gutenberg