haɪˈi:nə n. (also hyaena) any flesh-eating mammal of theorder Hyaenidae, with hind limbs shorter than forelimbs. ølaughing hyena n. a hyena, Crocuta crocuta, whosehowl is compared to a fiendish laugh. [ME f. OF hyene & L hyaena f. Gk huaina fem. of hus pig]