alpaca

al·paca

noun \al-ˈpa-kə\

: a South American animal that is related to the llama and has long woolly hair

: wool of the alpaca or a cloth made of it

Full Definition of ALPACA

1

:  a domesticated mammal (Vicugna pacos syn. Lama pacos) especially of Peru that is probably descended from the vicuña

2

a :  wool of the alpaca

b (1) :  a thin cloth made of or containing this wool (2) :  a rayon or cotton imitation of this cloth

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Illustration of ALPACA

Origin of ALPACA

Spanish, from Aymara allpaqa

First Known Use: 1747

Rhymes with ALPACA

malacca, Malacca, sifaka

alpaca

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

South American species (Lama pacos) in the camel family (Camelidae). The alpaca, guanaco, llama, and vicuña are closely related and are known collectively as lamoids. Domesticated several thousand years ago by Indians of the Andes Mountains, the alpaca has a slender body, a long neck and legs, a small head, a short tail, and large, pointed ears. Alpacas stand about 35 in. (90 cm) at the shoulder and weigh 120–145 lbs (54–65 kg). They are found in central and southern Peru and western Bolivia, on marshy ground at high altitudes. They are the most important of the lamoids for wool production.