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burro

Other forms: burros

A burro is a small donkey often used in the American Southwest and Mexico as a pack animal. Wild burros are the descendants of domesticated donkeys that escaped or were released and subsequently established wild herds.

Burro comes from the Spanish burrico, "donkey," and the Late Latin burricus, "small, shaggy horse." Burros have inhabited the American Southwest for hundreds of years, first working in mines as pack animals during the gold rush and later roaming free in herds throughout the Arizona desert. They can also be found in arid regions of California, Nevada, Utah, and Mexico. Burros are known for their intelligence, hardiness, and affectionate natures. They make a loud braying noise.

Definitions of burro
  1. noun
    small donkey used as a pack animal
    see moresee less
    type of:
    Equus asinus, domestic ass, donkey
    domestic beast of burden descended from the African wild ass; patient but stubborn
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