tiger: [13] English got tiger via Old French tigre and Latin tigris from Greek tígris, a word presumably of oriental origin. It was originally taken over directly from Latin in the Old English period as tigras, but this did not survive.
tiger (n.)
Old English tigras (plural), also in part from Old French tigre "tiger" (mid-12c.), both from Latin tigris "tiger," from Greek tigris, possibly from an Iranian source akin to Old Persian tigra- "sharp, pointed," Avestan tighri- "arrow," in reference to its springing on its prey, "but no application of either word, or any derivative, to the tiger is known in Zend." [OED]. Of tiger-like persons from c. 1500. The meaning "shriek or howl at the end of a cheer" is recorded from 1845, American English, and is variously explained. Tiger's-eye "yellowish-brown quartz" is recorded from 1886.
双语例句
1. The tiger prowled through the undergrowth.
老虎悄然穿过矮树丛。
来自《权威词典》
2. Which has spots, the leopard or the tiger?
有斑点的是豹还是虎？
来自《权威词典》
3. She fought like a tiger to be able to keep her children.
她勇猛搏斗，以便能保住她的孩子。
来自《权威词典》
4. The tiger in the cage gave a thrilling cry.
笼子里的老虎发出了令人毛骨悚然的吼声.
来自《简明英汉词典》
5. There is a preponderance of tiger in the forest.
