Main Entry: lynx

Pronunciation: \ˈliŋ(k)s\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural lynx or lynx·es

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from Greek; akin to Old English lox lynx and probably to Greek leukos white — more at light

Date: 14th century

: any of several wildcats with relatively long legs, a short stubby tail, mottled coat, and often tufted ears that are thought to comprise a distinct genus (Lynx) of the cat family or to be part of a genus (Felis) that includes the domestic cat and cougar as a : a lynx (L. lynx) of northern Europe and Asia b : bobcat c : a North American lynx (L. canadensis) distinguished from the bobcat by its larger size, longer tufted ears, and wholly black tail tip —called also Canadian lynx

[lynx illustration]