Definition

Proper noun A taxonomic family within the order Pilosa, comprising the New World anteaters. These are medium to large-sized, toothless mammals native to Central and South America, characterized by elongated snouts, long tongues, and powerful claws used for breaking into insect nests.

Usage

• The giant anteater is the largest extant species in Family Myrmecophagidae.
• Family Myrmecophagidae includes both terrestrial and arboreal species.
• All members of Family Myrmecophagidae feed primarily on ants and termites.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification, Family Myrmecophagidae is distinguished from other anteater families like Cyclopedidae (which contains only the silky anteater) by specific skeletal and morphological characteristics.

Variants and Related Words

• Myrmecophagid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Myrmecophagidae; relating to this family.
  • The myrmecophagid's tongue is remarkably long and sticky.
• Myrmecophagy (noun): The eating of ants and termites as a primary diet.
  • Myrmecophagy is the defining feeding behavior of this family.

Synonyms

• Anteater family: A common name for the taxonomic group.
• Vermilinguas: An older, less common term referring to the "worm-tongued" animals in this group.

Different Meanings

This term has a single, specific meaning in scientific (zoological/taxonomic) English. It does not have general English meanings or idioms.

Noun

1. New World anteaters