Acinonyx

noun

Acin·​o·​nyx
ə-ˈsi-nə-ˌniks
: the genus of cats comprising the cheetahs which are distinguished by the absence of cutaneous sheaths for guarding the claws

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek akinētos motionless + New Latin -onyx

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Acinonyx was in 1914

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Cite this Entry

“Acinonyx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Acinonyx. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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