Alce

/ˈælsi/ or /ˈɑlsi/ noun

Definition

A moose; a large cervid mammal of northern regions, also called an elk in North American usage.

Etymology

From Spanish 'alce,' derived from Latin 'alces,' which came from a Scandinavian or Northern European language. The word traveled south through trade and contact with northern peoples.

Kelly Says

The Latin word for moose came from Scandinavian languages because moose were so common up north that southern Europeans only learned about them through contact with northerners—it's like how 'kayak' came from Inuit languages because Eskimos invented them!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.