Alpine Marmot
/ˈæl.paɪn ˈmɑːr.mət/noun
A large, burrowing marmot native to mountainous regions of the European Alps and nearby ranges.
Did you know?The origin of “marmot” is uncertain, but scholars have suggested that its repeated syllables may imitate the animal’s chattering or alarm calls.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek and pre-Roman Alpine usage
Pre-Latin
Alpes
“The name of the Alpine mountain range; its ultimate origin is uncertain and may come from an ancient Alpine language.”
Classical Latin
Latin
Alpes / alpinus
“Alpes referred to the Alps, while alpinus meant “of the Alps” or “Alpine.””
Late Latin
Latin
marmota
“A name for the marmot; its deeper origin is uncertain and may reflect a regional Alpine term or sound symbolism.”
16th Century
French
marmotte
“The marmot, borrowed into French from regional Alpine usage.”
17th Century
English
marmot
“An English borrowing from French for a burrowing squirrel-like mountain animal.”
Modern English
English
Alpine marmot
“The marmot species native chiefly to the European Alps and surrounding mountain ranges.”