hyrax

[ hahy-raks ]

/ ˈhaɪ ræks /

noun, plural hy·rax·es, hy·ra·ces [hahy-ruh-seez] /ˈhaɪ rəˌsiz/.

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.

Nearby words

hypsometer, hypsometric, hypsometry, hyracoid, hyracotherium, hyrax, hyrcania, hyrcanian, hyson, hyssop, hyster-

Origin of hyrax

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

Also called dassie, das.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for hyrax

These latter never possess a decidua, whereas Elephants and Hyrax are genuine Deciduata.
The History of Creation, Vol. II (of 2)|Ernst Haeckel
In size it must have been something like the rabbit or the hyrax.
The Story of Evolution|Joseph McCabe
The strong chisel-shaped incisors suggest the Rodents and Hyrax.
The Cambridge Natural History, Vol X., Mammalia|Frank Evers Beddard
The gall-bladder is usually present in mammals, but is wanting in the odd-toed ungulates (Perissodactyla) and Procavia (Hyrax).
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 7|Various

In situations which suit it, the Hyrax is very plentiful, and is much hunted by the natives, who esteem its flesh very highly.
Bible Animals;|J. G. Wood

British Dictionary definitions for hyrax

hyrax

/ (ˈhaɪræks) /

noun plural hyraxes or hyraces (ˈhaɪrəˌsiːz)

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 toesAlso called: dassie, ((South African)) rock rabbit

Word Origin for hyrax

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012