moose
UK[muːs]US[muːs]
n
a large north american deer with very large, flat antlers and a long head, and a flap of skin hanging from the throat.
Etymology
the word "moose" entered english in the early 17th century from eastern algonquian languages, specifically from a word such as narragansett "moos" or massachusett "moosu," meaning "he strips off," referring to the animal's habit of stripping bark and leaves from trees for food. it is a direct borrowing that replaced the older english term "elk" for this new world animal. the algonquian term itself is descriptive of the animal's primary foraging behavior, which became the identifying name for the creature itself in english.
Analysis
this word is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
a bull moose stood majestically at the edge of the lake.
moose are well-adapted to survive in cold, boreal forests.
we were advised to be cautious while hiking in areas known for moose populations.