any of several large strong nocturnal carnivorous Old World mammals (family Hyaenidae) that usually feed as scavengers
hyena
noun(hy-e-na)
spotted hyena
hyena
noun(hy-e-na)
a hyena (Crocuta crocuta) of sub-Saharan Africa that has a tan to reddish-brown coat with dark roundish spots, a large head, long muzzle, powerful jaws, and rounded ears —called also laughing hyena