cape fox: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1technical / zoological
Quick answer
What does “cape fox” mean?
A small, nocturnal fox species (Vulpes chama), native to the arid regions of southern Africa.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, nocturnal fox species (Vulpes chama), native to the arid regions of southern Africa.
A term used to refer specifically to this distinct African fox species, often distinguished from other fox types by its large ears and silvery-grey coat. It is sometimes also called the 'silver fox' or 'South African silver fox', though this can cause confusion with other species.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use 'cape fox' as the standard term.
Connotations
Connotations are purely zoological/scientific in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cape fox” in a Sentence
The cape fox [verb]...Observers spotted a cape fox [present participle]...The habitat of the cape fox is...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in context of eco-tourism or wildlife conservation projects.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, ecology, and conservation science papers focusing on African fauna.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation unless discussing specific wildlife.
Technical
Standard term in zoological classification and wildlife guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cape fox”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cape fox”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cape fox”
- Confusing it with the fennec fox (which has larger ears and is from North Africa).
- Using 'cape' as if it describes a physical feature of the fox (like a cloak).
- Capitalizing it incorrectly (it is not a proper noun unless starting a sentence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The cape fox (Vulpes chama) is from southern Africa, while the fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) is from North Africa and the Sahara. They are different species.
Generally, no. It is a wild animal with specific needs and is protected in its native range. Keeping wild foxes as pets is illegal in many places and ethically questionable.
It is an omnivore, feeding on small mammals, insects, birds, eggs, and some plant matter like fruits and tubers.
Due to its distinctive silvery-grey coat coloration. However, 'silver fox' more commonly refers to a colour morph of the red fox, so 'cape fox' is the less ambiguous term.
A small, nocturnal fox species (Vulpes chama), native to the arid regions of southern Africa.
Cape fox is usually technical / zoological in register.
Cape fox: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪp ˈfɒks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪp ˈfɑːks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms feature 'cape fox'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The CAPE of Good Hope is in South Africa; the CAPE FOX lives there.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (It is a literal species designation).
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'cape' in 'cape fox' most accurately referring to?