grizzly
UK: ˈɡrɪzli | US: ˈɡrɪzli
adj. gray or gray-haired (often used to describe aging)
n. a large subspecies of brown bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), native to North America
grizzly = grizz<gray> + ly<adjective suffix>
- grizz<gray>: Derived from Middle English grisen ("to shudder" or "to become gray"), influenced by Old French gris ("gray"). The term evolved to describe a grayish color, especially in hair.
- ly<adjective suffix>: A common English suffix used to form adjectives, indicating "having the quality of."
Etymology Origin:
The word grizzly originates from the 16th century, initially describing something gray or streaked with gray (e.g., "grizzly beard"). By the early 19th century, it was applied to the North American brown bear due to its distinctive silver-tipped fur. The bear’s fearsome reputation later reinforced the term’s association with roughness or harshness, though its root meaning remains tied to color.
The old sailor had a grizzly beard, weathered by years at sea.
Grizzly bears are apex predators in their natural habitat.
His grizzly appearance made him seem older than he was.
We spotted a grizzly foraging near the riverbank.
The documentary highlighted the conservation efforts for grizzlies in Yellowstone.