zoomorphous
|zoo-mor-phous|
🇺🇸
/ˌzuːəˈmɔːrfəs/
🇬🇧
/ˌzuːəˈmɔːfəs/
animal-shaped
Etymology
'zoomorphous' originates from Greek elements 'zoon' and 'morphē', where 'zoon' meant 'animal' and 'morphē' meant 'form', combined in New Latin and adapted into English with the adjectival suffix '-ous'.
'zoomorphous' was formed in New Latin/Modern scientific usage from Greek roots and paralleled the development of related words such as 'zoomorphic'; it entered English formation patterns in the 18th–19th centuries as an adjectival variant.
Initially it signified 'having an animal form' in literal or artistic contexts, and this core meaning has remained stable into modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having the form or shape of an animal; animal-shaped.
The ancient amulet was zoomorphous, carved in the likeness of a frog.
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Adjective 2
relating to or characterized by artistic representation in animal forms (especially in decorative or symbolic contexts).
The temple's frieze featured zoomorphous motifs blending plant and animal forms.
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Last updated: 2026/01/17 07:00