Animal Words from Latin

The words in this list, primarily used as adjectives but sometimes used also as nouns, are combinations of the Latin root for an animal and the Latin suffix "ine," which means "relating to."  First I'll give the literal meaning of each word, and then I'll add the metaphorical meaning, if any.


AQUILINE (AK wuh line) - relating to an eagle, curving like an eagle's beak
The seal of the United States bears an AQUILINE figure.
The busts of the ancient Roman heroes have AQUILINE noses.

ASININE (AS uh nine) - relating to an ass, foolish, obstinate
He was asked to leave the party because of his ASININE behavior.
You'd be ASININE to quit your job before getting another one.
I don't usually enjoy comedies that feature ASININE antics.

BOVINE (BO vine) - relating to cows and oxen, dull, sluggish, stolid
They are studying BOVINE anatomy in veterinary school.
The Greek goddess Hera was known to have BOVINE eyes.
His BOVINE manner suggested a lack of ambition.
They relaxed in a state of BOVINE inertia.
We prefer to drink milk from cows that have not been given BOVINE growth 
  hormones.
His BOVINE disposition prevented him from making many friends.
She sat before the TV in BOVINE contentment.

CANINE (KAY nine) - relating to dogs, like a dog
His fans treated him with CANINE devotion.
The Rin Tin Tin films depicted CANINE loyalty.
The dentist extracted my upper right CANINE tooth.
Lassie was a CANINE movie star.
The CANINE trait of faithfulness inspired the saying "A dog is man's best friend."

CAPRINE (KAP rine) - relating to goats, but not to their smell
They enlisted CAPRINE help in clearing the brush on the hillside.

CERVINE (SER vine) - relating to deer
In a display of CERVINE grace, the doe leaped over the wall.
The hunter displayed his CERVINE trophies.
The moose is a CERVINE creature.

EQUINE (EE kwine) - relating to horses (other words from this root: equestrian - concerning horses, and equitation - riding horses)
He is a specialist in EQUINE diseases.
She is an authority on all things EQUINE.
Dressage is an EQUINE ballet.
Troubled children are often helped by EQUINE therapy.

FELINE (FEE line) - relating to cats; possessing the qualities of a cat, such as gracefulness and independence
The audience applauded the FELINE grace of the circus performers.
The existence of FELINE mummies is evidence of the worship of cats in ancient
  Egypt.
Purring is a sign of FELINE contentment.

HIRCINE (HER sine) - relating to goats; of or like a goat, especially in smell; lascivious
He had a narrow face with a scanty HIRCINE beard.
There was a HIRCINE smell in the shed.
 
LEONINE (LEE uh nine) - relating to lions; like a lion; having the characteristics of a lion, such as majesty
The proverbial "mad scientist" is often depicted with a LEONINE mane.
He's a LEONINE actor who excels in roles that demand power and vitality.
With a LEONINE roar, he bounded across the stage.

LUPINE (LOO pine) - relating to wolves, of or like a wolf, ravenous
Feral dogs often exhibit LUPINE characteristics.
In the LUPINE version of charity, the young often share their food with the old.

OVINE (OH vine) - relating to sheep, of or like a sheep, passive
The scientists are working on an OVINE growth hormone.
After a few weeks with their new coach, the players are now OVINE in their docility.

PISCINE (PIE seen) - relating to fish, of or like a fish
PISCINE eyes look only to the sides.
The diver was surrounded by PISCINE beauty.
The fisherman bragged about his trip but did not produce one PISCINE trophy.

PORCINE (POR sine) - relating to pigs or swine, like a pig
His mother reprimanded him for his PORCINE manners.
His PORCINE appearance was unattractive to women.
Children's literature has many beloved PORCINE characters.

SERPENTINE (SER pen tine) - relating to serpents, resembling a serpent in form or movement, sinuous, winding, having qualities of a serpent, subtle, sly
The river follows a SERPENTINE course to the sea.
In one of her most famous poems, Emily Dickinson describes a SERPENTINE
  encounter. (The poem begins with "A narrow fellow in the grass." Emily's poems
  don't have titles.)

TAURINE (TOR ine) - relating to bulls, of or like a bull
There are many TAURINE stories in Greek mythology.

URSINE (ER sine) - relating to bears, like a bear
Scientists are intrigued by the URSINE habit of hibernation.
Our campground had some URSINE visitors last night.
The hikers told the rangers about an URSINE encounter.

VULPINE (VUL pine) - relating to foxes, like a fox, sneaky, crafty, cunning
The VULPINE face of the defendant made him look guilty.
He has a long face with a VULPINE expression.