borzoi
UK[ˈbɔːzɔɪ]US[ˈbɔːrzɔɪ]
n
a large, slender dog of a breed with a narrow head and long, silky coat, originally bred in russia for hunting wolves.
Etymology
the word 'borzoi' entered english in the late 19th century, borrowed directly from the russian 'борзой' (borzoy), which is the masculine singular form meaning 'swift' or 'fast'. this russian adjective itself derives from the old russian 'бързъ' (bŭrzŭ), sharing a common slavic root with concepts of speed and quickness. the name is a direct reference to the breed's primary characteristic—its exceptional swiftness in the chase, which was essential for coursing wolves on the open russian plains. thus, the modern breed name preserves its original descriptive meaning from its language of origin.
Analysis
this word is a direct loanword from russian. it is not productively segmented using english morphemes.
Examples
the elegant borzoi moved with a graceful, floating trot across the show ring.
historically, russian aristocracy used packs of borzoi for hunting wolves.
her borzoi rested its long, narrow muzzle on her knee.