eland

eland

noun \ˈē-lənd, -ˌland\

plural eland also elands

Definition of ELAND

: either of two large African antelopes (Taurotragus oryx syn. Tragelaphus oryx and Taurotragus derbianus syn. Tragelaphus derbianus) bovine in form with short spirally twisted horns in both sexes

Illustration of ELAND

Origin of ELAND

Afrikaans, elk, from Dutch, from obsolete German Elend, probably from obsolete Lithuanian ellenis; akin to Old High German elaho elk — more at elk

First Known Use: 1600

Rhymes with ELAND

Leland, Zeeland

eland

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Giant eland (Taurotragus derbianus)—Leonard Lee Rue III

Either of two species of easily tamed, oxlike antelope (genus Taurotragus) found in herds on the plains or in lightly wooded areas of central and southern Africa. The largest of the antelope, they may stand up to 6 ft (1.8 m) tall at the shoulder and weigh as much as 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg). They have a short, dark mane, a dewlap hanging from the throat, and long horns twisted in a tight spiral. The common eland is pale brown, becoming blue-gray with age, and often marked with narrow, vertical white stripes. The giant, or Derby, eland is reddish brown with a blackish neck and vertical white stripes and horns heavier than those of the common eland.