Did you know that 'caiman' is actually Carrib?

'Caiman' is a word borrowed from Carrib 'cayman'. The word entered the English language some time around 1577.

caiman [noun] [1577]

Any of several Central and South American crocodilians (genera Caiman, Melanosuchus, and ) similar to alligators
Meaning: any of several Central and South American crocodilians (genera Caiman; Melanosuchus; and Paleosuchus ) similar to alligators.

Etymology: Spanish caiman; probably from Carib cayman.

Topics: Animals:Reptiles.

Origin: From Spanish to Carib to English.

note: A Central and South American crocodilian similar to an alligator from Spanish caiman probably from a Carib word cayman.

See 'caiman' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Carrib.

See more loan words from 1500s.