peccary

views updated May 14 2018

pec·ca·ry / ˈpekərē/ • n. (pl. -ies) a gregarious piglike mammal (family Tayassuidae) that is found from the southwestern US to Paraguay. Its three species include the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu).

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

peccary

views updated May 14 2018

peccary Omnivorous, pig-like mammal native to sw USA and Central and South America. It has coarse, bristly hair, and scent glands on its back. Collared peccaries, or javelinas (Tayassu taja), have dark-grey hair with a whitish collar. White-lipped peccaries (T. pecari) have brown hair. Weight: 23–30kg (50–66lb). Family Tayassuidae.

World Encyclopedia

peccary

views updated May 29 2018

peccary (Tayassu) See TAYASSUIDAE.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

peccary

views updated May 23 2018

peccary Central and S. Amer. quadruped allied to the swine. XVII (pakeera, pec(c)ary). — Carib pakira.

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

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