coypu

[ koi-poo ]

noun

, plural coy·pus, (especially collectively) coy·pu.

1. a large, South American, aquatic rodent, Myocastor (or Myopotamus ) coypus, yielding the fur nutria.

coypu

/ ˈkɔɪpuː /

noun

1. an aquatic South American hystricomorph rodent, Myocastor coypus, introduced into Europe: family Capromyidae. It resembles a small beaver with a ratlike tail and is bred in captivity for its soft grey underfur
2. the fur of this animal

Word History and Origins

Origin of coypu¹

First recorded in 1785–95; from Latin American Spanish (Chile, Argentina) coipú, from Araucanian coipu

Word History and Origins

Origin of coypu¹

C18: from American Spanish coipú, from Araucanian kóypu

Example Sentences

Chattering squirrels, charming coypus, and tail-slapping beavers -- along with some other rodents -- have orange-brown front teeth.

From Science Daily

Known formally as Myocastor coypus and commonly called the “menace of the marsh,” nutria are bad for ecosystems.

From Washington Post

In England and Wales, the coypu is one of 30 species of invasive non-native animal that are listed as of concern because of their invasiveness and ability to establish in several nations across Europe.

From BBC

Farms stock many captive-bred animals, from civets to raccoon dogs and coypu, a large rodent, often living close to livestock such as pigs, chickens and ducks.

From Nature

In addition to the incredible seagull population, Rome sees wild boars and coypu, a South American rodent, roaming their streets and sewers.

From Fox News