Ailuropoda
/ˌaɪ.luː.rəˈpoʊ.də/noun
A genus of bear that includes the giant panda.
Did you know?In ancient Greek, 'ailuros' means 'cat', and 'pous' means 'foot', reflecting the panda's adorable, feline-like paws!
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
αἴλουρος (ailuros)
“A word meaning 'cat', often used to describe feline characteristics.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πούς (pous)
“A term for 'foot', indicative of the animal's limbs.”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Ailuropoda
“A genus name created from Greek roots to describe the panda's cat-like feet.”
Modern English
English
Ailuropoda
“Adopted into English to refer specifically to the giant panda, combining ideas of both cat and foot.”
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