Panther - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Panther : (noun)
1: a large spotted feline of tropical America similar to the leopard; in some classifications considered a member of the genus Felis [syn: jaguar, Panthera onca, Felis onca]
2: a leopard in the black color phase
3: large American feline resembling a lion [syn: cougar, puma, catamount, mountain lion, painter, Felis concolor]

Based on WordNet 2.0

Panther : \Pan"ther\, n. [OE. pantere, F. panth[`e]re, L. panthera, Gr. ?, prob. fr. Skr. pundr[=i]ka a tiger.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) A large dark-colored variety of the leopard, by some zo["o]logists considered a distinct species. It is marked with large ringlike spots, the centers of which are darker than the color of the body.

2. (Zo["o]l.) In America, the name is applied to the puma, or cougar, and sometimes to the jaguar.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Puma \Pu"ma\ (p[=u]"m[.a]), n. [Peruv. puma.] (Zo["o]l.) A large American carnivore ({Felis concolor), found from Canada to Patagonia, especially among the mountains. Its color is tawny, or brownish yellow, without spots or stripes. Called also catamount, cougar, American lion, mountain lion, and panther or painter.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

Cougar \Cou"gar\ (k??"g?r), n. [F. couguar, from the native name in the South American dialects, cuguacuara, cuguacuarana.] (Zo["o]l.) An American feline quadruped ({Felis concolor), resembling the AfricanPanther : in size and habits. Its color is tawny, without spots; hence writers often called it the American lion. Called also puma, panther, mountain lion, and catamount. See Puma.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)