animal
Syllabification: (an·i·mal)
Pronunciation: /ˈanəməl/
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Definition of animal
noun
Animals are generally distinguished from plants by being unable to synthesize organic molecules from inorganic ones, so that they have to feed on plants or on other animals. They are typically able to move about, although this ability is sometimes restricted to a particular stage in the life cycle. The great majority of animals are invertebrates, of which there are some thirty phyla; the vertebrates constitute but a single subphylum. See also higher animals, lower animals
adjective
Origin:
Middle English: as a noun from Latin animal, based on Latin animalis 'having breath', from anima 'breath'; as an adjective via Old French, from Latin animalis
