ursine

American  

[ur-sahyn, -sin] / ˈɜr saɪn, -sɪn /

adjective

1. of or relating to a bear or bears.

2. bearlike.

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ursine British  

/ ˈɜːsaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a bear or bears

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ursine Scientific  

/ ûr′sīn′ /

1. Resembling or characteristic of bears.

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Other Word Forms

• subursine adjective

Etymology

Origin of ursine

1540–50; < Latin ursīnus, equivalent to urs ( us ) bear + -īnus -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Army’s and Air Force’s Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson — a wooded facility so well-known for its ursine visitors it is nicknamed J-BEAR.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2023

As Ed Asner's ursine editor found himself back in the day, Samantha is a fox in an unfamiliar den, starting over in a new city and new culture with different rules and feelings about Americans.

From Salon • Jul. 2, 2023

It prompted formation of a sort of ursine emergency task force including the Metropolitan Police Department, the local Humane Rescue Alliance, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the National Zoo.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 9, 2023

But wrestling the ursine intruder or allowing a bear to be wrestled on one’s premises could leave a person with up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.

From Washington Times • Jun. 2, 2023

Felicia moves toward him, toward his tidy, ursine face.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García