Lynx (?), n. [L. lynx, lyncis, Gr. ; akin to AS. lox, G. luchs, prob. named from its sharp sight, and akin to E. light. See Light, n., and cf. Ounce an animal.]

1. Zool.

Any one of several species of feline animals of the genus Felis, and subgenus Lynx. They have a short tail, and usually a pencil of hair on the tip of the ears.

Among the well-known species are the European lynx (Felis borealis); the Canada lynx or loup-cervier (F. Canadensis); the bay lynx of America (F. rufa), and its western spotted variety (var. maculata); and the pardine lynx (F. pardina) of Southern Europe.

2. Astron.

One of the northern constellations.

 

© Webster 1913.