Main Entry: hy·e·na

Pronunciation: \hī-ˈē-nə\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural hyenas also hyena

Etymology: Middle English hyene, from Latin hyaena, from Greek hyaina, from hys hog — more at sow

Date: 14th century

: any of several large strong nocturnal carnivorous Old World mammals (family Hyaenidae) that usually feed as scavengers

— hy·e·nic \-ˈē-nik, -ˈe-nik\ adjective