alpaca

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noun al·paca \ al-ˈpa-kə \

Definition of alpaca

1 :a domesticated mammal (Vicugna pacos synonym 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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Recent Examples of alpaca from the Web

The transformation from the wild to the finished product involves casting it in gold, silver alpaca and tumbaga.

— Southern Living, "Shop Small and Support Local Businesses," 11 July 2017
Park and Lawlor also spend a lot of time in Peru, where Öhlin/D’s pima-cotton and alpaca knitwear is made in women-run factories.

— emily farra, Vogue, "A Peruvian Adventure in Sustainability—And Cute Alpacas!—With Öhlin/D," 23 June 2017
Here are some notable ways the population was counted before the first U.S. census in 1790: Incan Quipu: Instead of counting with tally marks, Incans lined up quipu or threads (made out of llama or alpaca, according to some sources).

— olivia b. waxman, Time, "3 Ways Societies Counted Populations Before the U.S. Census," 22 June 2017
In fact virtually all the animals and birds raised in the U.S. for meat, eggs, and wool hail originally from the Old World; The only species native to the New World that have been bred for human use are turkeys, llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs.

— tom turner, The Mercury News, "Heritage breeds find refuge at Little Farm in Tilden Park," 8 June 2017
Rose Mogerman says her alpaca business doesn't need any tax help.

— CBS News, "Fleecing the government? Senator targets alpacas as tax dodge," 5 June 2017
Synhorst admits that alpaca fiber is not yet mainstream.

— CBS News, "Fleecing the government? Senator targets alpacas as tax dodge," 5 June 2017
An alpaca’s head and upper torso swarmed by flies lay rotting Friday afternoon inside the fence girding Kepner Farms tucked in the Santa Ana Mountains.

— michael j. williams, Orange County Register, "Mountain lions preying on farm animals off Ortega Highway," 4 June 2017
From alpacas to zebras, nearly 500 animals roam this park, where a drive-through safari puts visitors nose to nose with some of the friendliest creatures.

— cleveland.com, "Family-friendly Ohio: Top 10 attractions for fun in Toledo, Northwest Ohio," 29 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alpaca.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Origin and Etymology of alpaca

Spanish, from Aymara allpaqa

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First Known Use: 1747

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ALPACA Defined for English Language Learners

alpaca

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noun

Definition of alpaca for English Language Learners

: 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

ALPACA Defined for Kids

alpaca

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noun al·paca \ al-ˈpa-kə \

Definition of alpaca for Students

:a South American animal related to the camel and llama that is raised for its long woolly hair which is woven into warm strong cloth

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See words that rhyme with alpaca Spanish Central: Translation of alpaca Nglish: Translation of alpaca for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alpaca

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