gnu
Pronunciation: /(g)nuː, (g)njuː/
Definition of gnu
noun
- a large dark antelope with a long head, a beard and mane, and a sloping back. Also called wildebeest.
- Genus Connochaetes, family Bovidae: two species, in particular the abundant brindled gnu or blue wildebeest (C. taurinus)
Origin:
late 18th century: from Khoikhoi and San, perhaps imitative of the sound made by the animal when alarmed
