dire wolf
nounUS /ˈdaɪ.ɚ wʊlf/ · UK /ˈdaɪə wʊlf/
Etymology Calque from taxonomic name †Canis dirus.
1
An extinct canine (†Aenocyon dirus) from the Pleistocene epoch, heavier and slightly larger than the modern grey wolf.
- Colossal scientists have created three dire wolf pups by using ancient DNA, cloning and gene-editing technology to alter the genes of a gray wolf, the prehistoric dire wolf’s closest living relative, the company announced Monday. […] The three dire wolves are living on a 2,000-acre site at an undisclosed location enclosed by 10-foot-tall (3-meter-tall) “zoo-grade” fencing, where they are monitored by security personnel, drones and live camera feeds.2025 April 7, Katie Hunt, “Scientists say they have resurrected the dire wolf”, in CNN:
2
Fantasy Synonym of warg (“type of wolf”).