alpaca

[ al-pak-uh ]

noun

1. a domesticated South American ruminant, Lama pacos, having long, soft, silky fleece, related to the llama and believed to be a variety of the guanaco.
2. the fleece of this animal.
3. a fabric or yarn made of it.
4. a glossy, commonly black woolen fabric with cotton warp.
5. a crepe fabric made of rayon and acetate yarn in imitation of alpaca wool cloth.

alpaca

¹

/ ælˈpækə /

noun

1. a type of nickel silver used in jewellery

alpaca

²

/ ælˈpækə /

noun

1. a domesticated cud-chewing artiodactyl mammal, Lama pacos, closely related to the llama and native to South America: family Camelidae. Its dark shaggy hair is a source of wool
2. the cloth made from the wool of this animal
3. a glossy fabric simulating this, used for linings, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpaca¹

1805–15; < Spanish < Aymara allpaqa

Word History and Origins

Origin of alpaca¹

of uncertain origin

Origin of alpaca²

C18: via Spanish from Aymara allpaca

Example Sentences

"I've already worked on some dairy farms, a sheep farm, even an alpaca farm so far," said Azra Anzar, a third year student.

From BBC

And they had just gotten lumber for an alpaca barn.

From Los Angeles Times

That night, Yoko killed an alpaca unprotected by adequate fencing or a night enclosure — an animal she had passed many times in previous years.

From Seattle Times

Bluetongue can affect ruminants, such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer, and camelids like llama and alpaca.

From BBC

She leaves alpaca yarn outside so an Oak Titmouse can line her nest with the soft fuzz.

From Seattle Times