spotted hyena

American  

noun

1. an African hyena, Crocuta crocuta, having a yellowish-gray coat with brown or black spots, noted for its distinctive howl.

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Etymology

Origin of spotted hyena

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Wilkinson has spent much time studying spotted hyenas, another of the many species highlighted in "Queer Planet."

From Salon

The scientists could draw some conclusions about the feeding behaviour of spotted hyenas from their observations.

From Science Daily

The analyses built on the expertise in epigenetics of the Leibniz-IZW as well as on the long-term research on spotted hyenas in the Serengeti, which started in 1987.

From Science Daily

Such fluidity is part of what makes spotted hyenas “the most socially complex carnivores in the world,” says Dheer.

From National Geographic

To be clear, these mobs are made up of spotted hyenas.

From Science Daily