Felis
/ˈfiː.lɪs/noun
A Latin word for a cat, especially a domestic cat or cat-like animal.
Did you know?Latin felis is the source of the scientific cat genus Felis, and it also helped shape words like feline, while the related English word cat comes from an entirely different ancient root.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pélh₂-
“A proposed root meaning “to stroke, caress” (the exact connection to Latin felis is uncertain and debated).”
Latin
Latin
felis
“Cat; wildcat or domestic cat.”
Late Latin
Latin
fēlīnus
“Of or belonging to a cat.”
Old French
Old French
felin
“Catlike; feline.”
Modern English
English
feline
“Of, relating to, or characteristic of cats.”