guinea pig

views updated May 23 2018

guinea pig a person or thing used as a subject for experiment; no longer occurring in the wild, the guinea pig is now typically kept as a pet or for laboratory research.

This animal originated in South America, but may have been given its name from Guinea in West Africa as standing for an unknown distant country.

guinea pig

views updated May 23 2018

guin·ea pig • n. a tailless South American cavy (Cavia porcellus). It no longer occurs in the wild and is now typically kept as a pet or for laboratory research. ∎  a person or thing used as a subject for experiment.

guinea pig

views updated May 14 2018

guinea pig Cavy found in South America. The domestic Cavia porcellus is a popular pet. It has a large head, short legs and no tail. Cavia aperea is a wild species. Family Caviidae.

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