agouti

[ uh-goo-tee ]

noun

, plural a·gou·tis, a·gou·ties.

1. any of several short-haired, short-eared, rabbitlike rodents of the genus Dasyprocta, of South and Central America and the West Indies, destructive to sugarcane.
2. an irregularly barred pattern of the fur of certain rodents.
3. an animal having fur of this pattern.

agouti

/ əˈɡuːtɪ /

noun

1. any hystricomorph rodent of the genus Dasyprocta, of Central and South America and the Caribbean: family Dasyproctidae. Agoutis are agile and long-legged, with hooflike claws, and are valued for their meat
2. a pattern of fur in certain rodents, characterized by irregular stripes

Word History and Origins

Origin of agouti¹

First recorded in 1725–35; from French, from Spanish agutí, from Tupian agutí, agoutí, acutí

Word History and Origins

Origin of agouti¹

C18: via French and Spanish from Guarani

Example Sentences

It is said by the Indians that the jaguar decoys the agouti in the same manner, by counterfeiting his cry.

From Project Gutenberg

The akouchi is generally smaller than the agouti, and its hair is not red, but of an olive colour.

From Project Gutenberg

The akouchi confines itself solely to large forests; he feeds upon fruits, and has the same natural habits as the agouti.

From Project Gutenberg

As the mouse and the rat attack the gathered fruits of the earth, the agouti preys on those yet standing in the field.

From Project Gutenberg

At first thought, Manuel was going to shoot the agouti, but he quickly thinks better of it.

From Project Gutenberg