siamese cat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “siamese cat” mean?
A slender, short-haired breed of domestic cat characterized by blue almond-shaped eyes, large triangular ears, a long body, and distinctive colour points (darker fur on the ears, face, paws, and tail).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slender, short-haired breed of domestic cat characterized by blue almond-shaped eyes, large triangular ears, a long body, and distinctive colour points (darker fur on the ears, face, paws, and tail).
Often used figuratively to refer to something closely linked or inseparable (from the idiom 'Siamese twins'), or to describe a pale, striking appearance with dark features reminiscent of the cat's colouration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical difference. The breed name is identical. Potential minor spelling variations in surrounding descriptive text (e.g., colour/color).
Connotations
Identical breed connotations: elegant, vocal, intelligent, affectionate. In both cultures, strongly associated with a stereotypical 'cat' image.
Frequency
Equally recognised and used in both varieties. A common reference point in popular culture.
Grammar
How to Use “siamese cat” in a Sentence
have/own a Siamese catthe Siamese cat [verb: meowed, jumped, curled up]a Siamese cat with [noun: blue eyes, dark points]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts like pet supply marketing or veterinary businesses.
Academic
Used in zoology, genetics (coat colour genetics), and animal husbandry studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing pets, animal breeds, or using the idiomatic expression.
Technical
Used in feline medicine, breed standards, cat show judging, and genetic research.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “siamese cat”
- Incorrect: 'Syamese cat'. Correct: 'Siamese cat'.
- Incorrect: 'We have a Siamese.' (ambiguous without context). Better: 'We have a Siamese cat.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A slender, short-haired breed of domestic cat characterized by blue almond-shaped eyes, large triangular ears, a long body, and distinctive colour points (darker fur on the ears, face, paws, and tail).
Siamese cat is usually neutral in register.
Siamese cat: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsaɪəmiːz ˈkæt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsaɪəmiːz ˈkæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(like) Siamese twins”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Siam was the old name for Thailand; think: 'See-a-meez' from Siam, with ease.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOSENESS IS BEING SIAMESE (from 'Siamese twins'); DISTINCTIVE CONTRAST IS SIAMESE COLOURING.