Ibex

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈaɪbɛks/

Definitions

1. A wild, climbing goat known for its impressive horns and ability to navigate steep, rugged terrains thrives in mountainous habitats
2. This mountain-dwelling herbivore, characterized by its long, curved horns, is adept at living in steep, rocky environments
3. A type of agile goat found in alpine regions, recognized for its striking curved horns and remarkable climbing abilities on steep slopes

Etymology: The Latin "ībex" was the name for the chamois, a different Alpine animal, and the English word "ibex" was borrowed from it to describe the wild goat with huge curved horns. So the word went through a mix-up in its meaning before it settled on the animal we know today. Latin's own origin is unclear: it may come from Iberian or Aquitanian, the languages spoken in the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern Gaul before Roman times. There is a surprising link to a common Spanish word. Old Spanish "bezerro" meant "bull," and its modern descendant "becerro" means "yearling," a young calf. Scholars treat these as related to the Latin word, though the exact connection is not settled. A word for a sturdy, horned animal ended up sharing a root with words for cattle.

Synonyms: goat, wild goat, chamois, INVALID, INVALID