capra: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowScientific/Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “capra” mean?
A genus of mammals comprising goats and ibexes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genus of mammals comprising goats and ibexes.
In scientific/zoological contexts, refers specifically to the genus containing wild and domestic goats. In broader cultural contexts, can refer to goat-like qualities or be used as a proper name (e.g., surname, place names).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; the term is confined to identical technical/scientific registers in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both. Any cultural connotations (e.g., related to Frank Capra) are identical.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, identical in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in academic/biological texts.
Grammar
How to Use “capra” in a Sentence
The [species name] is a member of the genus Capra.Capra includes [list of species].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capra” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Capra lineage is distinct.
- Capra morphology was analysed.
American English
- The Capra lineage is distinct.
- Capra morphology was analyzed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, and taxonomic papers and textbooks. (e.g., 'The phylogenetic study focused on species within Capra.')
Everyday
Not used. The common word is 'goat'.
Technical
Standard term in zoological classification and wildlife biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capra”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capra”
- Mispronouncing it as /kəˈprɑː/ or /ˈkeɪprə/.
- Using it in everyday contexts instead of 'goat'.
- Misspelling as 'caprea' or 'caprah'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, technical term from Latin used primarily in scientific classification (zoology).
No, it would sound highly unusual and pretentious. Always use 'goat' in everyday contexts.
It is pronounced /ˈkæprə/ (KAP-ruh), with stress on the first syllable, in both British and American English.
'Goat' is the common name for the animal. 'Capra' is the scientific genus name that includes goats and their close relatives like ibexes.
A genus of mammals comprising goats and ibexes.
Capra is usually scientific/technical, literary in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CAPtain of the PRAncing' goats. 'Capra' sounds like 'cap' + 'rah' – a goat might wear a cap and say 'rah'.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'Capra' most appropriately used?