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reindeer

reindeer definition

rein·deer (rān′dir′)

noun pl. reindeer -·deer′ or Rarereindeers -·deers′

any of a genus (Rangifer) of large deer, including the caribou, with branching antlers in both sexes, found in northern regions: it is domesticated as a beast of burden and as a source of milk, meat, and leather

Etymology: ME reindere < ON hreindȳri < hreinn, reindeer (< IE *erei-, horned animal < base *er-, top of the head, horn > horn, L cerebrum) + dȳr, animal, deer

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