elk
elk (elk) , noun
[Icelandic elgr; akin to Swedish elg, Anglo-Saxon eolh, Old High German elaho, Middle High German elch, compare Latin alces; perh. akin to English eland.]
(Zoology) A large deer, of several species. The European elk Alces alces (formerly Alces machlis or Cervus alces) is closely allied to the American moose. The American elk, or wapiti (Cervus Canadensis) the largest member of the deer family, has large, spreading antlers and is closely related to the European stag. See Moose, and Wapiti.
Collocations (2)
Irish elk (Paleontology) , a large, extinct, Quaternary deer (Cervus giganteus) with widely spreading antlers. Its remains have been found beneath the peat of swamps in Ireland and England. See Illustration in Appendix; also Illustration of Antler.
Cape elk (Zoology) , the eland.
elk , noun
(Zoology) The European wild or whistling swan (Cygnus ferus).
Also: elke
Elk (elk) , proper noun
a member of the fraternal organization named Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, supporting various services to their communities.