nutria
nutria Lexical Profile
nutria Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large, herbivorous, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, noted for its webbed hind feet and large orange incisors. It is often considered a destructive invasive species in the wetland ecosystems of North America, Europe, and Asia.
"Wildlife conservationists are working to manage the growing population of nutria that severely damages the fragile coastal marshes."
The soft, dense brown fur or pelt of this rodent, formerly widely used in the manufacture of clothing and hats.
"She inherited a beautiful vintage overcoat that featured a collar trimmed in nutria."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into English in the early 19th century from Spanish 'nutria' (otter), ultimately from the Latin 'lutra' (otter). In South America, Spanish settlers applied the name of the otter to the superficially similar, but biologically distinct, coypu.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.