Definition

Noun 1. A specific taxonomic order of mammals: "Order Edentata" is a former taxonomic order of placental mammals characterized primarily by having few teeth or lacking teeth entirely. This order historically included mammals such as anteaters, sloths, and armadillos, primarily found in the New World (the Americas). In modern biological classification, this grouping is often considered obsolete, with its members now distributed among different orders like Pilosa (anteaters and sloths) and Cingulata (armadillos).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The order Edentata was once used to classify toothless or nearly toothless mammals.
  • Scientists have reclassified many species from the obsolete order Edentata.

Advanced Usage

• "Edentate" (noun/adjective): A term derived from "Edentata" used to describe a member of this former order or the characteristic of being toothless.
  • The giant anteater is a well-known edentate.
  • The armadillo exhibits an edentate condition in its jaw structure.

Variants and Related Words

• Edentate (n/adj): An animal belonging to the former order Edentata; lacking teeth.
• Xenarthra (n): The modern superorder that includes the groups (like Pilosa and Cingulata) containing the animals once classified under Edentata. This is the more current taxonomic term.

Synonyms

• Toothless mammals (descriptive phrase, not a taxonomic term)

Noun

1. order of mammals having few or no teeth including: New World anteaters; sloths; armadillos