Definition

Noun 1. The domestic goat: A common domesticated ruminant mammal (Capra hircus), raised worldwide for its milk, meat, hair (including cashmere and mohair), and skin. It is a subspecies of the wild goat.

Usage Notes

• "Capra hircus" is the scientific (Latin) binomial name for the species. It is used primarily in formal, academic, zoological, or agricultural contexts.
• In everyday English, the common name "domestic goat" or simply "goat" is used.
• This term refers to the species as a whole, not to a specific individual or breed.

Examples

• Scientific/Formal Context:
  • The study focused on the behavioral patterns of Capra hircus in alpine environments.
  • Capra hircus was first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent over 10,000 years ago.
• Implied Usage (defining breeds):
  • The Angora and the Saanen are both breeds of Capra hircus.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used to distinguish the domestic animal from its wild ancestors (e.g., the Bezoar ibex, ) and other wild goat species (e.g., the Alpine ibex, ).

Variants and Related Words

• Goat (n): The common English name for .
• Doe (n): An adult female goat.
• Buck or Billy (n): An adult male goat.
• Kid (n): A young goat.
• Caprine (adj): Of or relating to goats.

Synonyms

• Domestic goat
• Goat (in its domestic sense)

Related Phrases

• Breed of goat: A specific variety of developed for particular traits.
  • The Nubian is a popular breed of goat known for its high butterfat milk.

Noun

1. any of various breeds of goat raised for milk or meat or wool