Definition

Noun: A pangolin is a mammal that lacks teeth and is covered in protective, overlapping keratin scales. It has a long, narrow snout and a specialized tongue for eating ants and termites. Pangolins are found in parts of Africa and Asia.

Usage

The word "pangolin" is used to refer to the animal itself. It is a countable noun. * The pangolin curls into a tight ball when threatened. * Conservationists are working to protect the endangered pangolin. * We saw a pangolin digging for insects.

Advanced Usage

• "Pangolin scales": Refers specifically to the protective keratin covering of the animal, which is often the target of illegal wildlife trade.
  • The confiscated shipment contained hundreds of pangolin scales.
• In ecological and conservation contexts, "pangolin" is often used when discussing biodiversity, habitat loss, and the illegal wildlife trade.
  • The study focused on the foraging behavior of the Sunda pangolin.

Variants and Related Words

• Scaly anteater: A common alternative name for the pangolin, describing its appearance and diet.
• Manis: The scientific genus name for pangolins.

Synonyms

• Scaly anteater (descriptive synonym)

Idioms

There are no common idioms specifically using the word "pangolin".

Phrasal Verbs

The word "pangolin" is a noun and does not form phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. toothless mammal of southern Africa and Asia having a body covered with horny scales and a long snout for feeding on ants and termites