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hyaena

Fauna
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A carnivorous mammal known for its scavenging habits and distinctive vocalizations.

Detailed Definition
The hyaena, often associated with desolation and decay, is a scavenger that plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion. In literature, it symbolizes the harsh realities of life and death, as seen in Hood's poem where it calls in the 'desolate walls' of abandoned places, emphasizing the theme of silence and absence.
Example
Example in poetry:
"the dun fox, or wild hyaena, calls, And owls, that flit continually between" (spotted hyena); "The hyaena's laugh in the night" (wildlife); "A hyaena skulking in the shadows" (Africa); "The hyaena's hunger, never satisfied" (metaphor); "Like hyaenas, they fought over the kill" (simile)
Additional Notes
The term 'hyaena' appears in the line discussing the desolate environment, highlighting the eerie presence of life in a silent landscape.; Found in the poem, Silence by Thomas Hood
Also Known As
hyena beast laughing scavenger striped predator desert howler
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