rex

A king, particularly in ancient Rome.

Noun

  1. A king, particularly in ancient Rome.
    • And though the sturdy patrician nobility had already gained ground, though the reges attempted gradually to enlarge the scope of their functions—all this does not change the elementary and fundamental character of the...
  2. An animal which has a genetic recessive variation that causes the guard hairs to be very short or fully lacking.

Origin

From Latin rēx (“king”), referring originally to rabbits of the Belgian "castorrex" breed, so named because their fur was similar to that of beavers. Entered English around 1920. Doublet of rajah and roy.

Forms

rexes reges

Derived

Cornish Rex Devon Rex German Rex Oregon Rex Selkirk Rex

Verb

  1. To breed (an animal) to have this kind of hair.

Forms

rexes rexing rexed

Related

Bantersaurus Rex Rex rex sacrorum T. rex Tyrannosaurus rex rex-pat