nutria

American  

[noo-tree-uh, nyoo-] / ˈnu tri ə, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. the coypu.

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

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nutria British  

/ ˈnjuːtrɪə /

noun

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

2. a brown colour with a grey tinge

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Etymology

Origin of nutria

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Washington Post

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.

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Post