pika
UK[ˈpiːkə]US[ˈpaɪkə]
n
a small, short-eared mammal resembling a rabbit, found in mountainous regions of north america and asia.
Etymology
the word "pika" entered the english language in the early 19th century as a scientific term for the small lagomorph. it was borrowed from the tungusic languages of siberia, specifically from the evenki word "pika". this is a clear example of a loanword where the name of an animal was adopted from the language of the region where it was first scientifically described by europeans. the word has no further analyzable morphemes within english and its form has remained unchanged since its adoption. its journey reflects the practice of naturalists incorporating indigenous names for local fauna into the global scientific lexicon.
Analysis
this is a simplex word. it is a direct borrowing from the tungusic language family, likely from the evenki word "pika".
Examples
the american pika is well-adapted to cold climates and lives among rocky slopes.
scientists are concerned that climate change may threaten pika populations due to rising temperatures.
we heard the high-pitched call of a pika echoing across the alpine meadow.