vizcacha
1
9.9
- noun
- /vɪˈzkeɪtʃə/
- Researchers observed the vizcacha using its strong hind legs to leap between boulders.
Examples
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The vizcacha is known for its unique appearance.
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Many tourists are fascinated by the vizcachas in Argentina.
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The vizcacha lives in colonies and digs complex burrows in the dry plains of Argentina.
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A vizcacha can often be seen sitting upright on rocks, scanning for predators.
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The vizcacha burrows deep into the ground to escape the heat of the day.
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In the Andes, you can find a vizcacha sunning itself on the rocks.
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The vizcacha, with its long whiskers and bushy tail, is a fascinating creature to observe.
Synonyms
A large South American rodent with soft fur that lives in groups in burrows
A large social animal that digs burrows and lives in groups on South American plains
A South American animal like a large guinea pig that lives in burrows and has large cheek pouches
A small animal like a rabbit that lives on rocky mountain slopes in Chile and Peru
A small rodent from South America that lives on rocky mountain slopes
Surface Forms
Etymology
Vizcacha comes from a native South American word, probably the Quechua wisk'acha, that named this long-whiskered rodent. A helpful way to remember vizcacha is to think of 'whiskers' and a bushy tail — the old name points to the real animal, so vizcacha means the burrowing, chinchilla-like rodent found on the plains of South America.