/huy"raks/ , n. , pl. hyraxes, hyraces /-reuh seez'/ .
any of several species of small mammals of the order Hyracoidea, of Africa and the Mediterranean region, having short legs, ears, and tail, and hooflike nails on the toes.
Also called dassie, das .
[ 1825-35; hýrax (gen. hýrakos ) shrewmouse ]