okapi

noun, plural o·ka·pis, (especially collectively) o·ka·pi.

1. an African mammal, Okapia johnstoni, closely related to and resembling the giraffe, but smaller and with a much shorter neck.

noun plural -pis or -pi

1. a ruminant mammal, Okapia johnstoni, of the forests of central Africa, having a reddish-brown coat with horizontal white stripes on the legs and small horns: family Giraffidae

n.short-necked giraffe of central Africa, 1900, from the animal’s name in Mbuba (Congo). Reported by English explorer Sir Harry Johnston (1858-1927).