cavy

views updated May 23 2018

ca·vy / ˈkāvē/ • n. (pl. -ies) a South American rodent (family Caviidae) with a sturdy body and vestigial tail. Its several species include the guinea pig.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

cavy

views updated May 29 2018

cavy (wild guinea pig) Herbivorous South American rodent from which domestic guinea pigs are descended. Small, with dark fur, cavies live in burrows and often form large colonies for protection. Family Caviidae; species Cavia aperea.

World Encyclopedia

cavy

views updated May 21 2018

cavy rodent of the family Caviidae, including the guinea-pig. XVIII. — modL. cavia, f. Galibi (French Guiana) cabiai.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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