lama
UK[ˈlɑːmə]US[ˈlɑːmə]
n
A South American mammal related to the camel but smaller and without a hump, valued for its wool and used as a beast of burden.
n
The wool or fleece of this animal.
Etymology
The word 'lama' entered English in the late 16th century via Spanish, which itself borrowed it from the Quechua word 'llama'. Quechua is the language of the Inca Empire and is still spoken by indigenous peoples in the Andes. The animal was unknown in the Old World before the Spanish conquest of South America, necessitating the adoption of its native name. This is a classic example of a loanword, where the name of a unique entity is transferred directly from the source culture's language into English with its original form largely intact.
Analysis
This word is a direct borrowing and is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful parts within the English language system.
Examples
The lama is a domesticated pack animal essential to Andean cultures.
Her scarf was woven from the soft, warm wool of a lama.
Lamas are often seen grazing in the high altitudes of Peru and Bolivia.