lynx
UK[lɪŋks]US[lɪŋks]
n
a wild cat with a short tail, tufted ears, and often spotted fur, found chiefly in the northern hemisphere.
n
(astronomy, capitalized) a faint northern constellation, lying between ursa major and gemini.
Etymology
the english word "lynx" is a direct loan from the latin "lynx," which itself originates from the ancient greek "λύγξ" (lynx). the greek term is believed to be a pre-greek, possibly mediterranean, substrate word, reflecting the animal's indigenous presence in the region. the name was likely adopted into indo-european languages due to the distinctive characteristics of the animal, with its sharp vision becoming legendary in folklore. this etymological path, from a non-indo-european substrate to greek, then latin, and finally english, illustrates the word's journey as a label for a specific, striking creature, retaining its core zoological meaning for millennia.
Analysis
the word "lynx" is a simplex word borrowed directly from latin. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the canadian lynx is well-adapted to hunting in deep snow.
her eyes were as keen as a lynx, missing no detail.
we tried to spot the constellation lynx through the telescope.