ant-bear

The ant-bear uses its long tongue to eat ants from a mound.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large mammal that feeds on ants and termites: "ant-bear" refers to the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), a large, insectivorous mammal native to Central and South America, characterized by a long snout, a bushy tail, and powerful claws used to tear open insect nests.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We saw an ant-bear at the zoo, using its long tongue to lick up ants. (A large mammal that eats ants and termites.)
  • The ant-bear's thick fur protects it from insect bites while foraging. (The mammal's physical adaptation for its feeding habits.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be like an ant-bear": to be extremely specialised in one's diet or habits, often used metaphorically.
  • He eats only protein shakes and vegetables — he's like an ant-bear in his dietary focus. (He is very selective and specialised in his eating habits.)

Variants and Related Words

• Anteater (n): a more common term for the same animal; "ant-bear" is an older or less formal synonym.
  • The anteater is known for its distinctive long snout. (The same animal as ant-bear.)

Synonyms

• Giant anteater: the full name for the species .
• Anteater: a general term for any mammal of the suborder Vermilingua that eats ants and termites.

Related Idioms

• "to have an ant-bear's appetite": to have a very large, singular appetite for something specific.
  • She has an ant-bear's appetite for mystery novels — she reads one every day. (She has a strong, focused interest in mystery books.)

Note on Usage

The term "ant-bear" is less common than "anteater" in modern English. It may appear in older literature or regional dialects, especially in reference to the giant anteater. The word "bear" in "ant-bear" is a historical misnomer, as the animal is not a bear but a member of the order Pilosa.