The Russian origins of the word 'karakul'

'Karakul' is a word borrowed from Russian 'karakul'. The word entered the English language some time around 1853.

karakul [noun] [1853]

• any of a breed of hardy fat-tailed sheep of central Asian origin with a narrow body and coarse wiry fur
• the usually curly glossy black coat of a very young karakul lamb valued as fur

Meaning: any of a breed of hardy fat-tailed sheep of central Asian origin with a narrow body and coarse wiry fur; the usually curly glossy black coat of a very young karakul lamb valued as fur compare broadtail 2 persian lamb 1.

Etymology: Karakul; village in Uzbekistan.

Topics: Animals:Mammals, Materials:Textiles.

Origin: From Russian to English.

See 'karakul' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Russian.

See more loan words from 1800s.