striped hyena: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2scientific, zoological, wildlife journalism, general nonfiction
Quick answer
What does “striped hyena” mean?
A medium-sized scavenging carnivore (Hyaena hyaena) native to Africa and Asia, characterized by a sloping back, powerful jaws, and distinct black vertical stripes on a greyish-brown body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized scavenging carnivore (Hyaena hyaena) native to Africa and Asia, characterized by a sloping back, powerful jaws, and distinct black vertical stripes on a greyish-brown body.
In cultural contexts, often symbolizes cowardice, gluttony, or ugliness due to folklore and its scavenging habits; in zoology, a keystone species for ecosystem sanitation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Both varieties share the primary zoological meaning. In British English, the term might appear more frequently in wildlife documentaries about Africa or Asia, while in American English, it is less familiar to the general public than 'spotted hyena'.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to historical colonial ties to regions where the animal is found.
Grammar
How to Use “striped hyena” in a Sentence
The striped hyena [verb e.g., scavenges, prowls, howls].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
N/A
Academic
"The foraging behaviour of the striped hyena was observed over a 24-month period."
Everyday
"We saw a striped hyena on the safari, it was slinking away from the lions."
Technical
"Hyaena hyaena exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism and a primarily osteophagous diet."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “striped hyena”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “striped hyena”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “striped hyena”
- Confusing it with the more common 'spotted hyena'. Using 'hyena' alone when specificity is needed. Mispronouncing 'hyena' as /haɪˈɛn.ə/ instead of /haɪˈiː.nə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are distinct species. The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is smaller, more solitary, and has a striped coat, while the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is larger, lives in clans, and has spots.
They are extremely shy and nocturnal, posing virtually no threat to humans. Conflicts are rare and usually involve livestock predation or scavenging.
Their front legs are longer than their hind legs, an adaptation thought to be advantageous for long-distance travel and for carrying heavy loads (like large bones) in their powerful jaws.
The 'laugh' is primarily associated with spotted hyenas. Striped hyenas are generally quieter but produce a variety of vocalizations including howls, growls, and a low-frequency 'whoop' used for long-distance communication.
A medium-sized scavenging carnivore (Hyaena hyaena) native to Africa and Asia, characterized by a sloping back, powerful jaws, and distinct black vertical stripes on a greyish-brown body.
Striped hyena is usually scientific, zoological, wildlife journalism, general nonfiction in register.
Striped hyena: in British English it is pronounced /straɪpt haɪˈiː.nə/, and in American English it is pronounced /straɪpt haɪˈi.nə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “laugh like a hyena (applies to hyenas generally, not specifically striped)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of its STRIPES like a convict's uniform – it's often wrongly convicted of being just a cowardly scavenger.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STRIPED HYENA IS A COWARDLY SCAVENGER (based on cultural folklore, not biological fact).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary dietary role of the striped hyena?