Dictionary
an•i•mal
Pronunciation: (an'u-mul), [key]—
n.
1. any member of the kingdom Animalia, comprising multicellular organisms that have a well-defined shape and usually limited growth, can move voluntarily, actively acquire food and digest it internally, and have sensory and nervous systems that allow them to respond rapidly to stimuli: some classification schemes also include protozoa and certain other single-celled eukaryotes that have motility and animallike nutritional modes.
2. any such living thing other than a human being.
3. a mammal, as opposed to a fish, bird, etc.
4. the physical, sensual, or carnal nature of human beings; animality:
the animal in every person.
5. an inhuman person; brutish or beastlike person:
She married an animal.
6. thing:
A perfect job? Is there any such animal?
—
adj.
1. of, pertaining to, or derived from animals:
animal instincts; animal fats.
2. pertaining to the physical, sensual, or carnal nature of humans, rather than their spiritual or intellectual nature:
animal needs. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
