chinchilla
chinchilla Lexical Profile
chinchilla Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small, nocturnal rodent native to the Andes Mountains of South America, characterized by large ears, a bushy tail, and exceptionally dense, soft grey fur.
"The biologist noted that the chinchilla survives in high-altitude environments largely due to the insulating properties of its thick coat."
The exceptionally soft and dense pelt or fur of the chinchilla, historically prized and used in the manufacturing of luxury garments.
"During the early twentieth century, a coat made of genuine chinchilla was considered an ultimate symbol of wealth and extravagance."
• Rhymes for chinchilla
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish 'chinchilla', likely derived from the Aymara or Quechua name for a native Andean people, the Chincha, combined with the Spanish diminutive suffix '-illa'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.