tree hyrax

noun

variants or less commonly tree dassie

: any of various chiefly arboreal African hyraxes (genus Dendrohyrax) that are usually solitary and nocturnal

And though your sleep will be sounder than any you have ever had, you will be wakened in the night by the tree hyrax, which sounds like a door banging shut and then creaking open …

—Roxana Robinson, New York Times, 4 Dec. 1988

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1867, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now