llama
[lah-muh]
- a woolly-haired South American ruminant of the genus Lama, believed to be a domesticated variety of the guanaco: often used as a beast of burden.
- the fine, soft fleece of the llama, combined with the wool for coating.
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Origin of llama
1590–1600; < Spanish < Quechua llama (with palatal l)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
hoghorsecowelephantpigswinecattletapircameldeerrhinocerosgiraffellamabuffalohippopotamusExamples from the Web for llama
Contemporary Examples
Since Holmes has been in jail, Benjamin has sent him a letter of support as well as a Christmas card of a llama.
“He once took a picture of himself with a llama for his college application,” she said.
Historical Examples
Enchanted with it, my brave Major; still I must confess I should not say no to a dish of llama.
In Search of the CastawaysJules Verne
Alpaca Wool is the fleece of the Peruvian sheep, which is a species of llama.
TextilesWilliam H. Dooley
Alpaca, Vicuna and Llama wools are from different species of American goats.
Vegetable DyesEthel M. Mairet
The alpaca is smaller than the llama, and somewhat resembles the sheep.
The Western WorldW.H.G. Kingston
The wool is shorter than that of the llama, and of the same length all over the body.
The Forest ExilesMayne Reid
llama
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Word Origin
C17: via Spanish from Quechua
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for llama
n.
woolly-haired South American ruminant, c.1600, from Spanish llama (1535), from Quechua (Peru) llama.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper