leopard etymology

Etymology

The word "leopard" comes from the Late Latin "leopardus", which is derived from the Ancient Greek "leopárdos". The Greek word is itself believed to be a combination of two words:

  • "leon", meaning "lion"
  • "pardos", meaning "spotted" or "pard"

Meaning

The word "leopard" refers to a large feline species (Panthera pardus) characterized by its spotted coat. Leopards are found in Africa and Asia, and are known for their agility and hunting skills.

Origin

The exact origins of the word "leopard" are unclear, but it is believed to have been first used in Greece around the 5th century BC. The word was likely influenced by the presence of leopards in the region, as well as the similarity between their spotted coats and those of lions.

The word "pard" was originally used to refer to any large, spotted feline, including leopards, cheetahs, and jaguars. Over time, the term "pard" came to be used specifically for leopards, while the word "jaguar" was used for the American spotted feline.

leopard relate terms

  • lion

    Etymology The word lion comes from the Latin word leo which is derived from the Gree

  • pard

    Etymology The word pard is derived from Middle English pard which in turn comes from

  • leopard

    Etymology The word leopard comes from the Late Latin leopardus which is derived from

  • spoonerism

    Etymology Coined in 1883 by William Archibald Spooner a British clergyman and professo

  • panther

    Etymology The word panther originates from the Ancient Greek word πάνθηρ pánt

  • pelt

    Etymology Pelt comes from the Proto Germanic word pell which also gave rise to the

  • renounce

    Etymology Origin Late Middle English in the sense abandon give up from Old Fr

  • hedge

    Etymology The word hedge has an Old English origin deriving from the word hecg whic

  • fatigue

    Etymology Middle English fatigate from Latin fatigare to weary from fat stem of

  • guild

    Etymology Old English gild Anglo Saxon gildan meaning to pay or to contribute