caprine

American  

[kap-rahyn, -rin] / ˈkæp raɪn, -rɪn /

adjective

1. of or relating to goats.

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caprine British  

/ ˈkæpraɪn /

adjective

1. of or resembling a goat

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Etymology

Origin of caprine

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin caprīnus; see caper ¹, -ine ¹

Explanation

If something reminds you of a goat, you can describe it as caprine. You might tell your cousin that you love his caprine beard. If you decide your little farm needs some caprine residents, it means that you're planning to get some goats. When you run into caprine complications, they will probably involve goats nibbling on things they're not supposed to eat. The adjective caprine, "goat-like," has been around since about 1600, and it comes from the Latin root word caper, or "goat."

Example Sentences

His fellow cavers called Mr. Smith “the Goat,” and he certainly looked the part, with a compact, wiry body and a wispy caprine beard dangling below a well-cragged face.

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2022

McElligott reassured me that, barring outright animal abuse, stretching around our caprine friends is perfectly enjoyable, for them and for us.

From Slate • Jul. 7, 2022

Critics would surely complain that the caprine members of the cast of “Goats” were a mere contrivance, distracting from events and robbing a tragic drama of its gravitas.

From Economist • Dec. 4, 2017

As a result, Anguillans have learned to live side by side with their caprine neighbors, even coming to embrace their presence as a sign of identity.

From New York Times • Oct. 9, 2015

Like the chamois, it has a gland below and behind the ear, the secretion of which has a caprine odor.

From American Big Game in Its Haunts by Various