fauna
Americannoun
plural
faunas, faunae-
the animals of a given region or period considered as a whole.
-
a treatise on the animals of a given region or period.
-
(initial capital letter) Bona Dea.
noun
-
all the animal life of a given place or time, esp when distinguished from the plant life (flora)
-
a descriptive list of such animals
plural
faunasOther Word Forms
- faunal adjective
- faunally adverb
Etymology
Origin of fauna
1765–75; < New Latin, special use of Latin Fauna, a feminine counterpart to Faunus; Flora
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When a young boy takes over a beaver-bot to stop a construction company’s plan to destroy the local habitat, he accidentally launches an uprising against all humanity among the local fauna.
“I hope my work can reflect the times we’re in through a lens of color,” he said, “and the flora and fauna of L.A.”
From Los Angeles Times
"These habitats are exceptionally rare, rich in biodiversity, support unique flora and fauna, and are impossible to recreate or replace," he said.
From BBC
They are famous for their unique flora and fauna and are where British scientist Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution.
From Barron's
Scientists are sounding the alarm over the spread of bird flu across Antarctica, with a leading Chilean researcher telling AFP Tuesday of an observed strain "capable of killing 100 percent" of infected fauna.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
