mammal
[C] Countable
pl: mammals
This term carries a scientific and biological weight, evoking a sense of kinship between humans and other complex creatures. It emphasizes the nurturing aspect of life through the imagery of breastfeeding and maternal care, which separates these animals from reptiles or birds in the popular imagination. In casual conversation, calling something a mammal often serves to highlight a shared biological trait or a surprising fact, such as the classification of bats or dolphins, creating a bridge between disparate-looking species through a shared evolutionary blueprint.
Used to count individual animals or different species within the class, such as identifying a single mammal in the woods or listing all the mammals in a zoo.