I. ˈfōv noun
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: French, literally, wild animal, from fauve tawny, wild, from Old French falve tawny, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German falo fallow — more at fallow
Date: 1931
: a painter practicing fauvism : fauvist
II. adjective
Date: 1945
1. often capitalized : of or relating to the fauves
2. : vivid in color