nutria

[noo-tree-uh, nyoo-]

noun

1. the coypu.

2. the fur of the coypu, resembling beaver, used for making coats, hats, suit trimmings, etc.

nutria

/ ˈnjuːtrɪə /

noun

1. another name for the coypu, used esp to refer to its fur

2. a brown colour with a grey tinge

Word History and Origins

Origin of nutria¹

1810–20, < Spanish: otter, variant of lutria < Medieval Latin, for Latin lutra

Word History and Origins

Origin of nutria¹

C19: from Spanish: otter, variant of lutria, ultimately from Latin lūtra otter

Example Sentences

The nutria, an invasive swamp-dwelling rodent, is wreaking havoc on California ecosystems, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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They appear by surprise in towns and on beaches, cause accidents, and scare the local fishermen, nutria, manatees and capybaras.

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But after the response, the agency provided special conditions allowing the family to keep the nutria as a pet within the law, according to the newspaper.

Read more on Seattle Times

The Baton Rouge Zoo said it was ready to give Neuty a home in an area with another male nutria.

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Known formally as Myocastor coypus and commonly called the “menace of the marsh,” nutria are bad for ecosystems.

Read more on Washington Post