rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryyakLong-haired bovine
noun

yak

YAK/jæk/

A long-haired bovine native to the highlands of Central Asia.

The shaggy yak stands on the rocky highland patch with its curved horns visible.

A single large yak in three-quarter side view on a sparse rocky highland patch, showing its massive shoulders, curved horns, long shaggy coat and bushy tail.
Etymology
yakTibetanmale yak

Tibetan g-yag specifically names a male yak. English uses the borrowed name more broadly for the animal, including both wild and domesticated forms.

In context

Old World Wealth3:27
the Yak the heavy lifter carrying up to 200 pounds capable of sleeping in sub zero blizzards at 20,000 feet
The Economics of Owning a Salt Route Caravan Through the Himalayas

More examples

  • The yak's long coat helps protect it from the cold.
  • Herders guide their yaks toward the summer pasture.
  • The family makes butter from yak milk.

Forms

yak · yaks

Similar words

bovine
A broader term covering cattle, yaks, and their close relatives.
ox
Usually a trained draft animal, rather than a particular species.