alpaca

American  

[al-pak-uh] / ælˈpæk ə /

noun

1. a domesticated South American ruminant, Lama pacos, having long, soft, silky fleece, related to the llama and believed to be a variety of the guanaco.

2. the fleece of this animal.

3. a fabric or yarn made of it.

4. a glossy, commonly black woolen fabric with cotton warp.

5. a crepe fabric made of rayon and acetate yarn in imitation of alpaca wool cloth.

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alpaca ¹ British  

/ ælˈpækə /

noun

1. a domesticated cud-chewing artiodactyl mammal, Lama pacos, closely related to the llama and native to South America: family Camelidae. Its dark shaggy hair is a source of wool

2. the cloth made from the wool of this animal

3. a glossy fabric simulating this, used for linings, etc

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alpaca ² British  

/ ælˈpækə /

noun

1. a type of nickel silver used in jewellery

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Usage

What’s the difference between alpacas and llamas? Alpacas and llamas are closely-related animals, and they look similar, but they are two different species.They have a lot in common. Both the alpaca and the llama are thought to be domesticated varieties of the wild South American animal known as the guanaco. They are both ruminant animals—hoofed, four-legged mammals that eat grass and other plants. And they both belong to the genus Lama and to the family that also includes camels.So how are they different?Alpacas are smaller, with shorter ears. They are much fluffier than llamas, with fuzzy “bangs” that can partly hide their eyes. Their coats are very soft and silky, and they’re usually raised for their fleece, which is used to make very soft yarn or fabric.Llamas are bigger. They’re known for their strength, endurance, and high thirst tolerance. For this reason, they’re often used as work animals to carry things over long distances.So, the best way to tell the difference is by size and fluffiness. If it looks big and strong, like it can carry a lot of stuff, it’s probably a llama. If it’s smaller and fluffier, and its fleece looks like it could be used to make really soft mittens, it’s probably an alpaca.Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between alpacas and llamas.

Etymology

Origin of alpaca

1805–15; < Spanish < Aymara allpaqa

Example Sentences

Bluetongue virus affects cattle, goats, sheep, deer and camelids such as llamas and alpacas.

From BBC

Outside on one of the side streets that are full of stalls offering tourism souvenirs, like fluffy alpacas and scarves, Dina Huillca is sitting on the pavement selling roses, tomatoes and mint.

From BBC

Nanobodies, which are very small proteins found in camelid species such as camels, llamas, and alpacas, may provide a powerful new way to treat brain disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily

But those nerves quickly went away at the start of term, when ice creams and alpacas visited to welcome the children into a new school year.

From BBC

It affects cattle, sheep, pigs and, according to the government, "other cloven-hoofed animals such as wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas".

From BBC