rex

1 of 2

noun

plural rexes or rex
: an animal (such as a domestic rabbit or cat) showing a genetic recessive variation in which the guard hairs are very short, sparse, or entirely lacking compare cornish rex, devon rex

Illustration of rex

Illustration of rex

rex

2 of 2

Latin noun

: king

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modification of French castorrex, castorex, a variety of rabbit, perhaps from Latin castor beaver + rex king — more at castor entry 1, royal

First Known Use

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rex was in 1920

Cite this Entry

“Rex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rex. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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