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

Example Sentences

“This simple measure has served to prevent spreading quagga and zebra mussels and is equally effective in stopping the overland spread of golden mussels,” officials said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 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

“What you need to understand is every shipwreck is covered with quagga mussels in the lower Great Lakes,” Wisconsin state maritime archaeologist Tamara Thomsen said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2023

Many a quagga, and wildebeest and sassybe, had he ridden down; many a stanch buck-dog had he tired out and passed in the chase with the heavy weight of Groot Willem on his back.

From The Young Yagers A Narrative of Hunting Adventures in Southern Africa by Reid, Mayne