The DICT Development Group

  Canis \Ca"nis\ (k[a^]"n[i^]s), n.; pl. Canes (-n[=e]z). [L., a
     dog.] (Zool.)
     A genus of carnivorous mammals, of the family Canid[ae],
     including the dogs and wolves.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Canis major [L., larger dog], a constellation to the
        southeast of Orion, containing Sirius or the Dog Star.
  
     Canis minor [L., smaller dog], a constellation to the east
        of Orion, containing Procyon, a star of the first
        magnitude.
        [1913 Webster]

  Canis
      n 1: type genus of the Canidae: domestic and wild dogs; wolves;
           jackals [syn: Canis, genus Canis]