Yak is a large, shaggy animal that lives in the high mountain regions of Central Asia, especially Tibet and the Himalayas. Yaks look like massive, hairy cattle with long horns and thick coats that protect them from freezing mountain winds. They're incredibly strong and can carry heavy loads along steep mountain paths where trucks can't go.

For thousands of years, people living in these harsh, high-altitude regions have depended on yaks for survival. Yaks provide milk, meat, leather, and wool. Their thick hair can be woven into rope or fabric. They even provide fuel: dried yak dung burns well in places where trees are scarce. Perhaps most importantly, yaks serve as pack animals, carrying supplies across mountain passes that reach heights of 15,000 feet or more.

The word yak can also mean to chatter or talk persistently about trivial things. When someone yaks on and on about something unimportant, they're talking endlessly without saying much that matters. If you're trying to concentrate on homework and your siblings won't stop yakking about their day, you might need to find a quieter spot, or politely ask them to lower their voices.