nutria
/'nju:triə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- aquatic South American rodent resembling a small beaver; bred for its fur