llama
UK[ˈlɑːmə]US[ˈlɑːmə]
n
a south american mammal with a long neck and thick woolly fur, kept for carrying goods and for its wool.
n
the wool or fabric made from the hair of this animal.
Etymology
the word 'llama' entered english in the 17th century via spanish conquistadors, who adopted the term from the indigenous quechua language of the andes. the quechua word likely referred to the animal as a beast of burden. unlike many scientific terms, it bypassed greek or latin roots, coming directly from the new world to europe. its journey from a native american language to global english vocabulary exemplifies the direct linguistic impact of cultural contact and exploration.
Analysis
this word is a direct borrowing from spanish, which itself was borrowed from quechua. it does not contain separable english or classical morphemes.
Examples
we saw a herd of llamas grazing on the high mountain slope.
she bought a soft sweater made of llama wool.
the farmer uses llamas to carry supplies across the rugged terrain.