n. (also hyaena) any flesh-eating mammal of the order Hyaenidae, with hind limbs shorter than forelimbs.
Phrases and idioms:
laughing hyena n. a hyena, Crocuta crocuta, whose howl is compared to a fiendish laugh.
Etymology: ME f. OF hyene & L hyaena f. Gk huaina fem. of hus pig