panda
UK[ˈpændə]US[ˈpændə]
n
a large black-and-white animal that lives in forests in china and eats bamboo
n
a reddish-brown american mammal related to the raccoon, also called the red panda
Etymology
the word 'panda' entered the english lexicon in the early 19th century from french, which borrowed it from a local term in the himalayas, possibly the nepali word 'ponya' referring to a bamboo-eating animal. its precise origin in asian languages remains unclear, but it is not composed of classical greek or latin morphemes. the term was first applied to the smaller red panda, and later transferred to the distinct giant black-and-white bear native to china due to perceived dietary similarities. thus, 'panda' stands as a borrowed label for these charismatic animals, its form unchanged from its source.
Analysis
this is a simplex word. it is a loanword, likely from a nepali or tibeto-burman language, entering english via french in the 19th century. its original meaning is uncertain but may refer to a bamboo-eating animal.
Examples
the giant panda is an endangered species native to central china.
we saw a baby panda clumsily playing with its mother at the zoo.
the red panda, though sharing the name, is not closely related to the giant panda.