rex

1 of 2

noun

plural rexes or rex
: an animal (such as a domestic rabbit or cat) showing a genetic recessive variation in which the guard hairs are very short, sparse, or entirely lacking compare cornish rex, devon rex

Illustration of rex

Illustration of rex

rex

2 of 2

Latin noun

: king

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modification of French castorrex, castorex, a variety of rabbit, perhaps from Latin castor beaver + rex king — more at castor, royal

First Known Use

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rex was in 1920

Cite this Entry

“Rex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rex. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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