tapir

[ tey-per, tuh-peer ]

noun

, plural ta·pirs, (especially collectively) ta·pir.

1. any of several large, stout, three-toed ungulates of the family Tapiridae, of Central and South America, the Malay Peninsula, and Sumatra, somewhat resembling swine and having a long, flexible snout: all species are threatened or endangered.

tapir

/ ˈteɪpə /

noun

1. any perissodactyl mammal of the genus Tapirus, such as T. indicus ( Malayan tapir ), of South and Central America and SE Asia, having an elongated snout, three-toed hind legs, and four-toed forelegs: family Tapiridae

Word History and Origins

Origin of tapir¹

1560–70; ≪ Tupi tapira

Word History and Origins

Origin of tapir¹

C18: from Tupi tapiira

Example Sentences

The study offers insights into the impact of domestic dogs on wildlife, particularly on species of conservation concern such as the mountain tapir.

From Science Daily

The Calakmul region is home to one of the most important jaguar populations in Mesoamerica, more than 350 species of birds and one hundred mammals, plus other endangered species — the tapir, puma and ocellated turkey.

From Seattle Times

He slept in a hammock and he went hunting and ate tapir, armadillo and wild boar.

From Literature

Director of animal and plants at Chester Zoo, Mike Jordan, said the Malayan tapir was "under enormous pressure" because its numbers had "crashed" over four decades to "frighteningly low levels, with hunting and habitat destruction being the main threats to its survival".

From BBC

Zookeeper Rosie Owen said: "It's so lovely to once again hear the pitter-patter of tiny, spotty and stripy Malayan tapir feet."

From BBC