chiru

[ chir-oo ]

noun

1. a goat antelope, Pantholops hodgsoni, of Tibet, the male of which has very long, straight horns.

chiru

/ ˈtʃɪruː /

noun

1. a Tibetan antelope, Pantholops hodgsoni , having a dense woolly pinkish-brown fleece prized as the source of shahtoosh wool: now close to extinction due to illegal slaughter for its fleece

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiru¹

Perhaps < Nepali jarayo

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiru¹

C19: probably from Tibetan

Example Sentences

Its nearest relative in India is the chiru, which has certain points of resemblance.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. Murie notices the inflation of the post-maxilla in the saiga, and states that a similar extension is to be found in the chiru.

From Project Gutenberg

The chiru, which belongs to the typical or antilopine section of antelopes, is probably allied to the saiga.

From Project Gutenberg

Although far from uncommon, chiru are very wary, and consequently difficult to approach.

From Project Gutenberg

The largest of these islands, Kirui (Chiru), lies on the east side of the lake close to the swamp.

From Project Gutenberg