A large South American rodent related to the guinea pig, also known as the Patagonian hare. Can also refer to a nightmare or evil spirit in folklore.
From Spanish 'mara', ultimately from Tehuelche (Patagonian indigenous language). The nightmare meaning comes from Old English 'mære' meaning incubus or nightmare demon.
Despite being called the Patagonian hare, maras are actually more closely related to guinea pigs and can run up to 45 mph! The word's dual meaning connecting a cute rodent to nightmarish spirits shows how languages can evolve in completely different directions.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.