nutria

views updated May 23 2018

nu·tri·a / ˈn(y)oōtrēə/ • n. a large semiaquatic beaverlike rodent (Myocastor coypus, family Myocastoridae) native to South America. It is kept in captivity for its fur and has become naturalized in many other areas. ∎  the pelt of this animal.