VocabDictionary

lupine

/ˈluː.paɪn/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Of, relating to, or resembling a wolf or wolves.

Example Sentences:
  • The predator moved with a silent, lupine grace through the underbrush.
  • He possessed a lean, lupine face that made him look perpetually hungry.
2.noun

Any of a genus (Lupinus) of plants in the pea family having tall spikes of showy flowers and deeply divided leaves.

Example Sentences:
  • The mountain meadows were blanketed in a vibrant display of blue and purple lupine.
  • Lupines are often used in gardens to improve soil quality due to their nitrogen-fixing properties.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “lupine”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'lupinus', meaning 'of or belonging to a wolf' (from 'lupus'). In botany, the name was given because of an ancient, mistaken belief that the plants 'wolfed' or depleted the nutrients in the soil, whereas they actually enrich it by fixing nitrogen.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of Remus Lupin from Harry Potter, who is a werewolf; 'lupine' means wolf-like.

Frequently Asked Questions About “lupine

1. What is the meaning of “lupine” in English?

In English, lupine (adjective) is defined as: “Of, relating to, or resembling a wolf or wolves.”.

2. How do you use “lupine” in a sentence?

The predator moved with a silent, lupine grace through the underbrush.

3. What are English synonyms of “lupine”?

Common synonyms include:wolfish,feral,predatory,lupoid,ravenous

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “lupine”?

Derived from the Latin 'lupinus', meaning 'of or belonging to a wolf' (from 'lupus'). In botany, the name was given because of an ancient, mistaken belief that the plants 'wolfed' or depleted the nutrients in the soil, whereas they actually enrich it by fixing nitrogen.