quagga

American  

[kwag-uh, kwog-uh] / ˈkwæg ə, ˈkwɒg ə /

noun

1. an extinct equine mammal, Equus quagga, of southern Africa, related to and resembling the zebra, but striped only on the forepart of the body and the head.

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quagga British  

/ ˈkwæɡə /

noun

1. a recently extinct member of the horse family ( Equidae ), Equus quagga, of southern Africa: it had a sandy brown colouring with zebra-like stripes on the head and shoulders

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Etymology

Origin of quagga

1775–85; < Afrikaans (now spelling kwagga ) < Khoikhoi, first recorded as quácha (1691); said to be imitative of the animal's yelp

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

quagga

The effects for the state’s water infrastructure could be similar to the complications that have been caused by an invasion of quagga mussels in the Colorado River’s reservoirs.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2024

Upstream of the dam, nearly 90% of the Kakhovka Reservoir drained, exposing 1870 square kilometers of former lakebed, including dense beds of zebra and quagga mussels that once filtered and cleansed the reservoir’s water.

From Science Magazine ● Jan. 3, 2024

Zebra and quagga mussels, belonging to the Dreissenid family, are widespread freshwater invasive species throughout North America that present a significant danger to native ecosystems by competing for resources.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 8, 2023

They include invasive species such as quagga mussels that unravel food chains; toxic algae blooms caused by agricultural runoff and sewage overflows; and loss of wetlands and other wildlife habitat.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 17, 2022

The quagga trotted back to its cage, Bonavita put up his revolver, the frightened sweeper climbed down from the bars, and Rajah was hauled back ignominiously to his den.

From Careers of Danger and Daring by Cleveland Moffett

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