animal

animal [an′i məl]

n.

[L, living being < anima, animus, breath, air, life principle, soul < IE base * an(e)-, to breathe, exhale > Gr anemos, Sans anilas, wind, breath, OE antha, excitement, anger]

1. any of a kingdom (Animalia) of eukaryotes generally characterized by a multicellular body, the ability to move quickly and obtain food, specialized sense organs, and sexual reproduction

2. any such organism other than a human being, esp. a mammal or, often, any four-footed creature

3. a brutish, debased, or inhuman person

4. Informal a person, thing, concept, etc. thought of as a kind or type [today's athlete is another animal altogether]

adj.

1. of, like, or derived from animals

2. physical rather than mental or spiritual; specif., sensual, gross, bestial, etc.

SYN.- CARNAL

——————

the animal

animal nature; animality [it's the animal in him]

animally

adv.