animal

/ˈænɪməl/

noun

  1. 1

    In scientific usage, a multicellular organism that is usually mobile, whose cells are not encased in a rigid cell wall (distinguishing it from plants and fungi) and which derives energy solely from the consumption of other organisms (distinguishing it from plants).

    “A cat is an animal, not a plant. Humans are also animals, under the scientific definition, as we are not plants.”
  2. 2

    In non-scientific usage, any member of the kingdom Animalia other than a human.

  3. 3

    In non-scientific usage, any land-living vertebrate (i.e. not fishes, insects, etc.).

  4. 4

    A person who behaves wildly; a bestial, brutal, brutish, cruel, or inhuman person.

    “My students are animals.”
  5. 5

    A person of a particular type.

    “He's a political animal.”
  6. 6

    Matter, thing.

    “a whole different animal”

Synonyms

adjective

  1. 1

    Of or relating to animals.

    “animal instincts”
  2. 2

    Raw, base, unhindered by social codes.

    “animal passions”
  3. 3

    Pertaining to the spirit or soul; relating to sensation or innervation.

  4. 4

    Excellent

Synonyms

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