okapi

oka·pi

noun \ō-ˈkä-pē\

Definition of OKAPI

: an African ungulate mammal (Okapia johnstoni) that is closely related to the giraffe but has a relatively short neck, a coat typically of solid reddish chestnut on the trunk, yellowish white on the cheeks, and purplish-black and cream rings on the upper parts of the legs

Illustration of OKAPI

Origin of OKAPI

Mvuba (language spoken west of Lake Edward, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

First Known Use: 1900

Rhymes with OKAPI

corn poppy, jalopy, serape

okapi

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Okapi (Okapia johnstoni )—Kenneth W. Fink/Root Resources

Ruminant species (Okapia johnstoni) in the giraffe family that lives alone in Congo rain forests, eating leaves and fruit. Its neck and legs are proportionately shorter than the giraffe's, and females, which are larger than males, stand about 5 ft (1.5 m) at the shoulder. The sleek coat is deep brown on the front of the body; the upper legs are black-and-white-striped, and the lower legs are white, with black rings above the hooves. The male's short horns are covered with skin except at the tips.