Angoras

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Animals known for their long, soft fur that is often used to produce a type of wool
2. specific breeds of rabbits and goats that are primarily bred for their luxurious fiber
3. a term also referring to various textiles made from the wool of these animals

Etymology: "Angoras" is the plural of "angora," which names both a long-haired rabbit and the soft wool clipped from its coat. The name points to a city: Angora was the former name of Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey, and the wool and animals were associated with that region. The city's old name is itself rooted in Ancient Greek, where "ankura" meant "anchor," a reflection of the place's older history under its earlier name. Use "angoras" when speaking of more than one of these rabbits or of several garments or skeins of this wool. The singular "angora" carries the same geographic origin in each case.

Synonyms: mohairs, wools, furs