noun

coypu

KOY-poo

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Coypu (noun) means a large semiaquatic rodent native to South America, resembling an oversized rat with bright orange-yellow front teeth, that has been introduced to other continents and is farmed for its fur in some regions while being treated as a pest in others. Example: “Coypu were introduced to European wetlands partly for fur farming.”

noun

A large semiaquatic rodent native to South America, resembling an oversized rat with bright orange-yellow front teeth, that has been introduced to other continents and is farmed for its fur in some regions while being treated as a pest in others.

"Coypu were introduced to European wetlands partly for fur farming."

"A coypu spends much of its time swimming and feeding along riverbanks."

"You can recognise a coypu partly by its bright orange-yellow incisors."

How to use coypu

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA large, rat-like water rodent from South America, also called a nutria.

When to use it

Mainly used in natural history, farming and wildlife-management contexts.

Memory tip

In North America the same animal is usually called a nutria rather than a coypu.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

coypu fur wild coypu coypu population

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ were introduced to European wetlands partly for fur farming.

Etymology

Coypu passed into English from Spanish coipú, which was itself borrowed from the Mapudungun word koypu.

Origin: Spanish

Synonyms

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nutria

Frequently asked questions

What is a coypu?

A coypu is a large, semiaquatic rodent native to South America, similar in appearance to an oversized rat with bright orange-yellow front teeth.

Is a coypu the same as a nutria?

Yes, nutria is another name for the same animal, especially in North America.

Where do coypu come from?

They are native to South America and have since been introduced to Europe, Asia and North America.

What is the meaning of coypu?

"coypu" (noun) means a large semiaquatic rodent native to South America, resembling an oversized rat with bright orange-yellow front teeth, that has been introduced to other continents and is farmed for its fur in some regions while being treated as a pest in others.