Expert: Maria - 10/25/2005

Question
Hi,

 I was wondering if you could tell me the approximate meaning of a certain word pertaining to an animal genus - or if not where I might find such information.  I have tried internet-based Latin/English translations and dictionaries with no success.  I believe the word is Latin but may be Greek.  The word I am referring to is "crocuta".  Crocuta is the scientific genus name of the spotted hyena, and also of several of its prehistoric ancestors.  

If you can help in this matter or suggest a source where I might find the meaning of this word I'd be very appreciative.

Answer
Hello,

“Crocuta crocuta”[genus:Crocuta; species:Crocuta], i.e. the  scientific genus name given to the spotted hyena in 1777 by Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben, German naturalist, derives from a Greek term.

This Greek  noun is KROKOUTAS (also ‘krokottas', 2nd declension), which in Latin becomes CROCUTA / CROCOTTAS/ CROCOTA.

Ancient Greek KROKOUTAS, as well  Latin CROCUTA, was the name of an unknown wild animal in Ethiopia, perhaps the hyena, as we read in Pliny the Elder's Natural History and Aelian's Properties of animals.

It derives from Greek ‘krokos' (Latin ‘crocus') meaning  "saffron, crocus," which was a common source of yellow dye in ancient times.

So, CROCUTA CROCUTA  refers to either the Greek/ Latin name of the hyena or to the general colour of the spotted hyena which  in fact ranges from  sandy to yellow with blackish or dark brown spots on the back, flanks, rump, and legs.

Hope this is helpful to you.
Best,
Maria
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- Pliny the Elder , i.e. Gaius Plinius Secundus, (29-79 AD)Roman scientist and author of Natural History(Latin, Naturalis Historia).He died of asphyxiation in the neighbourhood of Vesuvius, having gone to investigate the eruption on August 24, 79 AD.

-Aelian, i.e. Claudius Helianus (170 – 235 AD),Roman author of Properties of animals ( Latin, De Natura Animalium). Although Aelian was a Roman, he preferred to write in Greek, and the original text of the De Natura Animalium is in that language.