fauna

[ faw-nuh ]
/ ˈfɔ nə /

noun, plural fau·nas, fau·nae [faw-nee] /ˈfɔ ni/.

the animals of a given region or period considered as a whole.
a treatise on the animals of a given region or period.
(initial capital letter) Roman Religion. Bona Dea.

Origin of fauna

1765–75; < New Latin, special use of Latin Fauna, a feminine counterpart to Faunus; cf. Flora

OTHER WORDS FROM fauna

fau·nal, adjective fau·nal·ly, adverb

Definition for fauna (2 of 2)

Bona Dea
[ boh-nuh dee-uh, dey-uh ]
/ ˈboʊ nə ˈdi ə, ˈdeɪ ə /

noun

an ancient Roman goddess of chastity and fertility.
Also called Fauna.

Origin of Bona Dea

< Latin: literally, (the) Good Goddess

Example sentences from the Web for fauna

British Dictionary definitions for fauna

fauna
/ (ˈfɔːnə) /

noun plural -nas or -nae (-niː)

all the animal life of a given place or time, esp when distinguished from the plant life (flora)
a descriptive list of such animals

Derived forms of fauna

faunal, adjective faunally, adverb

Word Origin for fauna

C18: from New Latin, from Late Latin Fauna a goddess, sister of Faunus

Medical definitions for fauna

fauna
[ fônə ]

n. pl. fau•nas

Animals, especially the animals of a particular region or period, considered as a group.

Scientific definitions for fauna

fauna
[ fônə ]

Plural faunas faunae (nē′)

The animals of a particular region or time period.

Cultural definitions for fauna

fauna
[ (faw-nuh) ]

Animals, especially the animals of a particular place and time.