tasmanian wolf: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Scientific, Historical
Quick answer
What does “tasmanian wolf” mean?
A carnivorous marsupial with wolf-like features, now considered extinct.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A carnivorous marsupial with wolf-like features, now considered extinct.
Often used as a classic example of extinction or a Lazarus taxon, symbolizing a creature lost to time. Sometimes used metaphorically for something rare, elusive, or thought to be gone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries the same connotations of extinction and historical curiosity.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, primarily found in historical, zoological, or environmental contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tasmanian wolf” in a Sentence
The [adj] Tasmanian wolf was [verb, e.g., sighted, captured].Scientists studied the remains of the Tasmanian wolf.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tasmanian wolf” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The Tasmanian-wolf exhibit at the museum is fascinating.
- He has a Tasmanian-wolf fascination.
American English
- The Tasmanian wolf exhibit at the museum is fascinating.
- He has a Tasmanian wolf fascination.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, history of science, and conservation studies discussing extinction.
Everyday
Rare, used when discussing extinct animals or mysteries.
Technical
Used in zoology and palaeontology; 'thylacine' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tasmanian wolf”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tasmanian wolf”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tasmanian wolf”
- Using it to refer to a living canine species.
- Spelling 'Tasmanian' incorrectly (e.g., 'Tasmian', 'Tasmanan').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it was a carnivorous marsupial, not a placental mammal like true wolves. The name comes from its superficial physical resemblance.
The last confirmed individual died in Hobart Zoo, Tasmania, in 1936. It was declared extinct in the 1980s.
While there have been unconfirmed sightings, no scientific evidence has been found since 1936, and it is considered extinct by the scientific community.
Because of the distinctive dark stripes across its lower back and tail, which were reminiscent of a tiger's stripes.
A carnivorous marsupial with wolf-like features, now considered extinct.
Tasmanian wolf is usually formal, scientific, historical in register.
Tasmanian wolf: in British English it is pronounced /tæzˈmeɪ.ni.ən wʊlf/, and in American English it is pronounced /tæzˈmeɪ.ni.ən wʊlf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly; used metaphorically as in 'as elusive as a Tasmanian wolf' or 'a modern-day Tasmanian wolf']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Tasmania on a map, and a wolf with stripes. A wolf from Tasmania that's now gone.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTINCTION IS DISAPPEARANCE / RARITY IS ELUSIVENESS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the more precise scientific name for the Tasmanian wolf?