koala
/kəʊˈɑːlə
/noun
A bear-like arboreal Australian marsupial that has thick grey fur and feeds on eucalyptus leaves. Also called native bear in Australia.
- Phascolarctos cinereus, the only member of the family Phascolarctidae.
- This year's Olympic Games turned the world's eye to the country of koalas and kangaroos.
- Well the koala is an Australian icon when it comes to tourism.
Usage
In non-technical contexts koala bear (as opposed to koala) is widely used. Zoologists, however, regard this form as incorrect on the grounds that, despite appearances, koalas are completely unrelated to bears.
Origin
Early 19th century: from Dharuk.