Definition

1. Noun:
   • A semi-aquatic rodent native to South America: The nutria is a large, herbivorous rodent that lives in and around water, resembling a small beaver or a large muskrat. It is known for its distinctive orange incisor teeth and webbed hind feet.
   • The fur of this animal: The term also refers to the valuable, dense fur (also called "coypu fur") obtained from this rodent, which has been used in the fur trade.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Animal):
  • The wetlands are overrun with nutria, which damage the ecosystem by overgrazing.
  • We saw a nutria swimming across the river, its tail trailing behind it.
• Noun (Fur):
  • Her coat was trimmed with luxurious nutria.
  • The trade in nutria has declined due to environmental concerns.

Advanced Usage

• "Nutria population control": Refers to management efforts to reduce the number of these invasive rodents in non-native habitats.
  • The state has implemented a nutria population control program to protect the marshes.
• As an invasive species: In many regions outside South America (e.g., the southern United States, Europe), "nutria" is discussed primarily as a destructive invasive species.
  • The introduction of nutria has led to severe erosion of wetland banks.

Variants and Related Words

• Coypu: This is the alternative, more scientific name for the same animal ().
  • The coypu is another name for the nutria.
• Nutria rat: A common informal name used in areas where it is considered a pest.
  • Locals call them nutria rats and consider them a nuisance.

Synonyms

• Coypu: The direct synonym, often used in biological contexts.
• River rat: A general, informal term for aquatic rodents, sometimes applied to nutria.

Related Phrases

• Nutria damage: A common phrase referring to the environmental harm caused by these animals, such as destroying vegetation and burrowing into levees.
  • The cost of repairing nutria damage to the irrigation canals is high.
• Nutria fur trade: Refers to the historical and commercial activity of breeding or trapping nutria for their pelts.
  • The nutria fur trade was once a booming industry in Louisiana.

Noun

1. aquatic South American rodent resembling a small beaver; bred for its fur