lynx

[ lingks ]

/ lɪŋks /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR lynx ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural lynx·es, (especially collectively) lynx for 1.

any of several wildcats of the genus Lynx (or Felis), having long limbs, a short tail, and usually tufted ears, especially L. lynx (Canada lynx), of Canada and the northern U.S., having grayish-brown fur marked with white.

genitive Lyn·cis

[lin-sis] /ˈlɪn sɪs/. (initial capital letter) Astronomy. a northern constellation between Ursa Major and Auriga.

Nearby words

lynn, lynn canal, lynnfield, lynnwood, lynwood, lynx, lynx-eyed, lyo-, lyocratic, lyolysis, lyolytic

Origin of lynx

1300–50; Middle English < Latin < Greek lýnx

Related formslynx·like, adjective

Can be confusedlinks lynx

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

Examples from the Web for lynx

In a Lynx, however, Harry could take part in reconnaissance missions and transport passengers.
Can Harry Bury the Party Prince?|Tom Sykes|December 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Lynx can be refueled like a car and will be able to fly four times a day.
Up to a Point: A 'Space Corvette' in Every Garage|P. J. O’Rourke|September 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I went to see the Lynx being built at Mojave Air and Space Port, near Edwards Air Force Base in the California desert.
Up to a Point: A 'Space Corvette' in Every Garage|P. J. O’Rourke|September 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Some are also unhappy about the Italian sale of Lynx armored personnel carriers to Russia.
Germany Helped Prep Russia for War, U.S. Sources Say|Josh Rogin|April 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST

A Royal Navy Pilot sits inside a Lynx helicopter at RAF Odiham air base today ahead of a rehearsal for a Diamond Jubilee flypast.
Royal Navy, Army and RAF Helicopter Crews Prepare Ahead Of The Diamond Jubilee||May 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The only other beast that I can think of at this moment which has tufted ears is the lynx.
Concerning Animals and Other Matters|E.H. Aitken, (AKA Edward Hamilton)
The Canadian lynx (peeshew) is a timid but well-armed animal, which preys upon the American hare.
Narrative of a Journey to the Shores of the Polar Sea, in the Years 1819-20-21-22, Volume 1|John Franklin
Raften now pulled out his purse and as magistrate paid over with evident joy the $5 bounty due for killing the Lynx.
Two Little Savages|Ernest Thompson Seton
If I am not satisfied, she insists on my fighting you; and if I am, she is determined to make Mrs. Lynx beg her pardon.
Married Life|John Baldwin Buckstone
But, if the crow was as quick as lightning, the lynx was as swift as thought, and lo!
Curious Creatures in Zoology|John Ashton

British Dictionary definitions for lynx (1 of 2)

lynx

/ (lɪŋks) /

noun plural lynxes or lynx

a feline mammal, Felis lynx (or canadensis), of Europe and North America, with grey-brown mottled fur, tufted ears, and a short tailRelated adjective: lyncean

the fur of this animal

bay lynx another name for bobcat

desert lynx another name for caracal

Also called: Polish lynx a large fancy pigeon from Poland, with spangled or laced markings

Derived Formslynxlike, adjective

Word Origin for lynx

C14: via Latin from Greek lunx; related to Old English lox, German Luchs

British Dictionary definitions for lynx (2 of 2)

Lynx

/ (lɪŋks) /

noun Latin genitive Lyncis (ˈlɪnsɪs)

a faint constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Ursa Major and Cancer

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

Word Origin and History for lynx

lynx

mid-14c., from Latin lynx (source of Spanish, Portuguese, Italian lince), from Greek lyngz, perhaps from PIE *leuk- "light" (see light (n.)), in reference to its gleaming eyes or its ability to see in the dark.

If that men hadden eyghen of a beeste that highte lynx, so that the lokynge of folk myghte percen thurw the thynges that withstonden it. [Chaucer's "Boethius," c.1380]

Cf. Lithuanian luzzis, Old High German luhs, German luchs, Old English lox, Dutch los, Swedish lo "lynx."

lynx

noun, plural lynx·es, (especially collectively) lynx for 1.

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Origin of lynx

Examples from the Web for lynx

British Dictionary definitions for lynx (1 of 2)

lynx

noun plural lynxes or lynx

Word Origin for lynx

British Dictionary definitions for lynx (2 of 2)

Lynx

noun Latin genitive Lyncis (ˈlɪnsɪs)

Word Origin and History for lynx

lynx