Wildcat Definition
wīldkăt
wildcats, wildcatted, wildcatting
noun
wildcats
Any of a large group of fierce, medium-sized, undomesticated cats, including the bobcat, Canada lynx, ocelot, serval, and caracal.
Webster's New World
A small wild feline (Felis silvestris) of Eurasia and Africa, generally regarded as being the ancestor of the domestic cat.
American Heritage
A house cat that has escaped from domestication.
Webster's New World
A quick-tempered person.
American Heritage
Any person regarded as like a wildcat in fierceness, aggressiveness, etc.
Webster's New World
adjective
Unsound or financially risky.
A wildcat venture.
Webster's New World
Issued by a financially irresponsible bank.
Wildcat currency.
American Heritage
Designating or of an enterprise or undertaking that is illegal, unethical, irregular, unauthorized, etc.; specif., designating a labor strike in violation of a contract and not officially authorized by the union representing the strikers.
Webster's New World
Operating or accomplished outside the norms of standard, ethical business procedures.
Wildcat life insurance schemes.
American Heritage
Of, relating to, or being an oil or natural-gas well drilled speculatively in an area not known to be productive.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
verb
wildcats, wildcatted, wildcatting
To drill for oil in an area previously considered unproductive.
Webster's New World
To prospect for oil or other minerals in an area not known to be productive.
American Heritage
To engage in wildcat enterprises, etc.
Webster's New World
To go out on an unauthorized labor strike.
American Heritage
Other Word Forms of Wildcat
Noun
Singular:
wildcat
Plural:
wildcats
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