Curiboca

/ˌkjʊərɪˈbɔːkə/ noun

Definition

A large South American rodent, also known as the paca, notable for its spots and nocturnal habits.

Etymology

From indigenous Tupi language 'curiboca' or similar, documented in early naturalists' accounts of South American fauna. The word entered European languages through Portuguese colonial naturalists.

Kelly Says

Early European naturalists copying down indigenous animal names phonetically created wonderfully weird-looking words like 'curiboca'—it's like the sound of discovery being written down.

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