cat
UK: kæt | US: kæt
Definition
n. a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, retractable claws, and a distinctive "meow" sound
n. (informal) a spiteful or malicious person
n. (slang) a jazz enthusiast (short for "hepcat")
Structure
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Etymology
The word "cat" traces back to Old English catt, derived from Late Latin cattus (circa 4th century AD). Its ultimate origin is likely Afro-Asiatic, possibly from the Nubian kadís or Arabic qitt. Unlike many Indo-European words, "cat" resisted decomposition into smaller meaningful units as it spread across languages, retaining its compact form.
Examples
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