oryx

American  

[awr-iks, ohr-] / ˈɔr ɪks, ˈoʊr- /

noun

plural

oryxes,

plural

oryx

1. a large antelope of the genus Oryx, with pale fur and long horns: three species are native to arid regions of Africa, and the fourth inhabits Arabia.

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oryx British  

/ ˈɒrɪks /

noun

1. any large African antelope of the genus Oryx, typically having long straight nearly upright horns

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Etymology

Origin of oryx

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English orix, from Latin oryx “wild goat, gazelle,” from Greek óryx “iron tool for digging, pickax, gazelle, antelope” (from its sharp horns)

Example Sentences

For example, the scimitar-horned oryx, a light-colored animal with curved horns, had previously been categorized as extinct in the wild but is now endangered.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 11, 2023

Mr. Mays maintained a ranch near Spring Branch, Tex., where he kept exotic animals including zebras, kudus, oryx and bongos.

From Washington Post • Sep. 15, 2022

The haul included some extinct animals, such as the scimitar oryx, and endangered species like lions, cheetahs and the Bengal tiger.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2022

As well as providing corridors for gray wolves and grizzly bears, low-lying BLM land often makes up the winter pasture for big game species, such as elk, oryx and big-horned sheep.

From The Guardian • Jan. 31, 2017

An oryx fawn, until it has reached the age of from three to four months, is a most extraordinary object.

From Lodges in the Wilderness by Scully, W. C. (William Charles)