chevrotain

American  

[shev-ruh-teyn, -tin] / ˈʃɛv rəˌteɪn, -tɪn /

noun

1. any very small, deerlike ruminant of the family Tragulidae, of Africa, tropical Asia, the Malay Peninsula, etc.

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chevrotain British  

/ ˈʃɛvrəˌteɪn, -tɪn /

noun

1. Also called: mouse deer.  any small timid ruminant artiodactyl mammal of the genera Tragulus and Hyemoschus, of S and SE Asia: family Tragulidae. They resemble rodents, and the males have long tusklike upper canines

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Etymology

Origin of chevrotain

< French, apparently Buffon's alteration of chevrotin roe deer under the age of six months, equivalent to Middle French chevrot kid ( chevre goat ( see chevon) + -ot diminutive suffix) + -in -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Regarding the chevrotain, “we got the first photographic evidence that the species still exists,” said Andy Tilker, Re:wild’s Asian species officer.

From Washington Post • Feb. 14, 2022

Also rediscovered is a bunny-size deer, known as the silver-backed chevrotain, in southern Vietnam.

From Washington Post • Feb. 14, 2022

An Nguyen, who led the search in the field, says that three populations of the chevrotain were found.

From Washington Post • Feb. 14, 2022