cat — A small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws
Pronunciation (IPA): /kæt/
Example Sentences
- The cat knocked over my coffee cup again - I think it's plotting against me.
- Every cat owner knows that you don't own a cat - the cat owns you.
- The black cat crossed my path, so I decided to follow it for good luck.
cat
NOUN[/kæt/]
A small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'cat' derives from Old English 'catt', borrowed from Late Latin 'cattus'. The term travelled through Greek and Roman languages as the domesticated feline animal spread from ancient Egypt throughout the Mediterranean world and beyond.
Breakdown
Old English 'catt' evolved into Middle English 'cat', with the double consonant gradually simplified in standard usage. The underlying Latin 'cattus' likely originates from Egyptian or African language sources, reflecting the animal's domestication history.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cat knocked over my coffee cup again - I think it's plotting against me.”
“Every cat owner knows that you don't own a cat - the cat owns you.”
“The black cat crossed my path, so I decided to follow it for good luck.”
“She has three cats and claims she's not a crazy cat lady yet.”
📚Related Words
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