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Llama Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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llama

[ˈlæmə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal species

The llama is a domesticated South American camelid, known for its long neck and gentle disposition. They are often used as pack animals in the Andes and have been an important part of Andean culture for centuries. Llamas are social animals that live in herds and have a variety of vocalizations, including humming and spitting. These animals are also known for their thick woolly coats, which can be sheared for use in textiles.

Synonyms

alpaca, camelid, guanaco.

Examples of usage

  • The llama carries heavy loads across the mountains.
  • Llamas are often seen at petting zoos for children to interact with.
  • In Incan culture, llamas were considered sacred animals.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culture

  • In Andean cultures, llamas have been valued for their wool, meat, and ability to carry heavy loads across rugged terrain.
  • Llamas often appear in festivals and traditional ceremonies in Peru, highlighting their importance in cultural practices.

Animal Behavior

  • Llamas are social creatures that live in herds and can communicate with each other through a variety of sounds, including humming and grunting.
  • When threatened, llamas can defend themselves by spitting at predators, showcasing a unique way of protecting their group.

Ecology

  • As herbivores, llamas have a significant role in their ecosystem, grazing on grasses and shrubs and aiding in the dispersal of plant seeds.
  • Their specialized stomach digestive system allows them to efficiently break down tough vegetation, making them an important part of the grassland habitat.

Modern Usage

  • Llamas have become popular in North America as pack animals for hiking and as therapy animals due to their gentle disposition.
  • They are often seen in petting zoos and farms, where people can learn about them and interact closely.

Origin of 'llama'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'llama' comes from the Quechua language, spoken by the indigenous people of the Andes.
  • The spelling of 'llama' with a double 'l' represents the palatal lateral sound in Quechua, which is unique to its phonetics.

The word 'llama' comes from the Spanish language, which in turn borrowed it from the Quechua language, spoken by the Indigenous peoples of the Andes. In Quechua, the word is 'lama' or 'glama', referring to the same animal. The domestication of llamas dates back to around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, where they were first used by the Indigenous populations for transportation and as a source of meat, wool, and hides. Llamas played a crucial role in the economy and daily life of these cultures, especially in the high-altitude regions of the Andes. During the Spanish conquest, llamas were introduced to other regions, but their population remained primarily concentrated in South America. Today, llamas are recognized worldwide, not only for their practical uses but also for their friendly nature and unique appearance.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,215, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.