coypu

[ koi-poo ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural coy·pus, (especially collectively) coy·pu.

a large, South American, aquatic rodent, Myocastor (or Myopotamus ) coypus, yielding the fur nutria.

coypu

/ ˈkɔɪpuː /

an aquatic South American hystricomorph rodent, Myocastor coypus, introduced into Europe: family Capromyidae. It resembles a small beaver with a ratlike tail and is bred in captivity for its soft grey underfur
the fur of this animal

Origin of coypu¹

First recorded in 1785–95; from Latin American Spanish (Chile, Argentina) coipú, from Araucanian coipu

Origin of coypu¹

C18: from American Spanish coipú, from Araucanian kóypu

In habits and otherwise the coypu is much like the beaver, but is a smaller animal, and has a rounder tail.

One was the common Magellan otter (Lutra felina), the other a nutria (Myopotamus coypu).

The coypu, sometimes called the South American beaver, inhabits the river-banks, and is highly prized for its fur.

It proved to be identical with the Chilian species, Myopotamus coypu.

Coypu are abundant in the fresh waters of South America, even small ponds being often tenanted by one or more pairs.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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