Roar (utterance)

A roar is a deep, bellowing outburst of sound forced through an open mouth. Only the four species of "big cats" (tigers, lions, jaguars & leopards) make the sound commonly referred to as a roar. Their ability to roar comes from a specially adapted larynx and an elongated hyoid, a small bone in the throat that is not completely rigid in the adults. Both genders of the "big cats" will roar for various reasons, including territorial proclamation, communication with other members, and anger. Additionally, the roar of a lion is used in the process of finding and competing for a mate.