jaguar
jaguar Lexical Profile
jaguar Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large, heavily built feline (Panthera onca) native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina, characterized by a yellowish-brown coat with dark rosettes containing central spots.
"The jaguar is an apex predator that plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Amazon rainforest."
Word Nuance & Usage
The jaguar is frequently confused with the leopard; however, jaguars are native to the Americas and have distinct rosettes with spots inside them, whereas leopards are found in Africa and Asia and have empty rosettes.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Portuguese 'jaguar' and Spanish 'yaguar', ultimately derived from the Tupi-Guarani word 'yaguara', meaning 'beast of prey' or 'dog' (referring to any large carnivorous beast).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.