kangaroo
UK[ˌkæŋɡəˈruː]US[ˌkæŋɡəˈruː]
n
a large australian animal with a strong tail and back legs, that moves by jumping. the female carries its young in a pouch (= a pocket of skin) on the front of its body.
Etymology
the word 'kangaroo' entered the english language in the late 18th century from the guugu yimidhirr language of the aboriginal people in the region now known as queensland, australia. the popular story that it meant "i don't know" in response to captain james cook's inquiry is a myth; the term 'gangurru' in guugu yimidhirr referred specifically to the grey kangaroo. european explorers adopted and anglicized the term, which then became the general english name for the marsupial. its journey into english exemplifies how loanwords fill lexical gaps when encountering new flora and fauna in colonized territories.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from an australian aboriginal language (specifically, the guugu yimidhirr word 'gangurru' or a similar form). it does not contain separable morphemes within the english language system.
Examples
we saw a kangaroo hopping across the outback.
the kangaroo's pouch provides protection and nourishment for its joey.
kangaroo meat is sometimes used as a lean alternative to beef.