/ ˈænɪml; NAmE / noun , adjective
■ noun
1.
a creature that is not a bird, a fish, a reptile , an insect or a human :
the animals and birds of South America
a small furry animal
Fish oils are less saturated than animal fats.
domestic animals such as dogs and cats
2.
any living thing that is not a plant or a human :
the animal kingdom
This product has not been tested on animals.
3.
any living creature, including humans :
Humans are the only animals to have developed speech.
—compare vegetable
4.
a person who behaves in a cruel or unpleasant way, or who is very dirty :
The person who did this is an animal, a brute.
5.
a particular type of person, thing, organization, etc. :
She's not a political animal.
The government which followed the election was a very different animal.
—see also dumb animal , higher animals
■ adjective
[ only before noun ] relating to the physical needs and basic feelings of people :
animal desires / passion / instincts
animal magnetism (= a quality in sb that other people find attractive, usually in a sexual way)
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : the noun from Latin animal , based on Latin animalis having breath from anima breath; the adjective via Old French from Latin animalis .