markhor
markhor Lexical Profile
markhor Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large, endangered species of wild goat (Capra falconeri) native to the rugged, mountainous regions of Central Asia, the Karakoram, and the Himalayas, distinguished by its spectacular, tightly spiraled, corkscrew-like horns and a thick, long-haired winter coat. It is the designated national animal of Pakistan.
"During our trek in the Karakoram range, we were fortunate enough to spot a majestic male markhor standing on a sheer rocky cliff."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Classical Persian mārkhwār (literally 'snake-eater'), from mār ('snake') + khwār ('eating, eater'). The name may refer to regional folk beliefs that the animal deliberately kills snakes, or it may be a reference to the coiled, snake-like appearance of its magnificent horns.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.