fauna

Everyday

1. (science) All the animals living in one place or at one time. tree →
2. Used with «flora» (plants): «flora and fauna» = plants and animals. tree →
3. Fauna is also the name of a goddess in ancient Roman stories, the wife of Faunus. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography: «the fauna of Australia» (kangaroos, koalas, wombats). «Flora and fauna» appears in nature reports and signs in parks. It is a formal word; everyday talk says «wildlife» or «animals».

Examples

• Australia's fauna includes kangaroos and platypuses. tree →
• The rainforest has amazing flora and fauna. tree →
• We studied the fauna of the rock pool. tree →
• Please do not disturb the local fauna. tree →
• The island's fauna is unique. tree →
• Pollution harms the river's fauna. tree →
• Fauna was the wife of Faunus, and participated in his functions. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable, used as a group. Flora = plants; fauna = animals — easy to mix up (Fauna sounds like «faun», a half-animal creature). Formal and scientific.