panther

Everyday

1. A panther is a big wild cat, usually a leopard or a jaguar with black fur (a black panther). tree →
2. In North America, a panther is another name for a puma or cougar, as in the Florida panther. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, «panther» is a good example of a word that is not one exact species: black panthers are leopards or jaguars with a lot of dark colour, and if you look closely you can still see their spots. Panthers are carnivores and skilled hunters. In stories, the panther Bagheera in The Jungle Book is wise and calm. Sports teams often use the name. Phrases: «black panther», «Florida panther», «Pink Panther» (a cartoon).

Examples

• A black panther is really a leopard or jaguar with dark fur. tree →
• In The Jungle Book, Bagheera is a black panther. tree →
• The Florida panther is very rare. tree →
• A panther moves silently through the trees. tree →
• You can see faint spots on a black panther in bright light. tree →
• The panther climbed the tree with its prey. tree →
• A PANTHER, by some mischance, fell into a pit. tree →

Note

Plural: «panthers». Myth: there is no separate black panther species. In a story «moved like a panther» means quietly and gracefully. Not the same animal as a lion or tiger.