Pecari

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A medium-sized, pig-like mammal found in Central and South America, known for its strong social structure and keen sense of smell
2. An animal of the family Tayassuidae, resembling a wild pig, often living in herds and primarily feeding on fruits and plants
3. A species of swine-like creatures native to tropical regions, recognized for their adaptability and important role in their ecosystems

Etymology: Peccaries take their name from the languages of Brazil's Indigenous peoples. The Tupi word "pakira" named these animals, and Portuguese and Spanish speakers in South America adapted it into "pecari" and "pecarí." English later borrowed the term as "peccary," and the spelling "pecari" survives mostly in scientific and regional use. Despite the name's swine-like appearance, peccaries are not true pigs. They belong to their own family, Tayassuidae, which is separate from the pig family, Suidae. The resemblance comes from similar build and habits, and the two lineages are only distantly related.

Synonyms: collared peccary, javelina