View synonyms for tapir

tapir

[ tey-per, tuh-peer ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural ta·pirs, (especially collectively) ta·pir.

any of several large, stout, three-toed ungulates of the family Tapiridae, of Central and South America, the Malay Peninsula, and Sumatra, somewhat resembling swine and having a long, flexible snout: all species are threatened or endangered.

tapir

/ ˈteɪpə /

any perissodactyl mammal of the genus Tapirus, such as T. indicus ( Malayan tapir ), of South and Central America and SE Asia, having an elongated snout, three-toed hind legs, and four-toed forelegs: family Tapiridae

Origin of tapir¹

1560–70; ≪ Tupi tapira

Origin of tapir¹

C18: from Tupi tapiira

One can cite but the sole example of the American tapir where the male is smaller than the female.

The tapir is a very large animal,—about five or six feet long and three or four feet high.

The tapir lives as much in the water as on the land, and delights to wallow like a pig in muddy pools.

Then Martin turned to fly, but at the same moment the tapir did the same, to his great delight and surprise.

The tapir stopped feeding for a moment, but then recommenced, though evidently not222 with as much eagerness as before.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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