Main Entry: kar·a·kul

Pronunciation: \ˈker-ə-kəl, ˈka-rə-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Karakul, village in Uzbekistan

Date: 1853

1 often capitalized : any of a breed of hardy fat-tailed sheep of central Asian origin with a narrow body and coarse wiry fur
2 : the usually curly glossy black coat of a very young karakul lamb valued as fur — compare broadtail 2, persian lamb 1

[karakul illustration]