noun
definition
In scientific usage, a multicellular organism that is usually mobile, whose cells are not encased in a rigid cell wall (distinguishing it from plants and fungi) and which derives energy solely from the consumption of other organisms (distinguishing it from plants).
example
A cat is an animal, not a plant. Humans are also animals, under the scientific definition, as we are not plants.
synonyms
definition
In non-scientific usage, any member of the kingdom Animalia other than a human.
synonyms
definition
In non-scientific usage, any land-living vertebrate (i.e. not fishes, insects, etc.).
definition
A person who behaves wildly; a bestial, brutal, brutish, cruel, or inhuman person.
example
My students are animals.
synonyms
definition
A person of a particular type.
example
He's a political animal.
definition
Matter, thing.
example
a whole different animal