Definition

1. Noun:
   • A burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to Australia and New Guinea: The "spiny anteater" is the common name for a unique, egg-laying mammal. It is characterized by a body covered in protective spines, a long, slender snout, and strong claws adapted for digging. It feeds primarily on ants and termites.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The spiny anteater is one of only two types of monotremes in the world.
  • We were lucky to spot a spiny anteater foraging in the bush.
  • Unlike other mammals, the female spiny anteater lays eggs.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific context: In biology, the term "spiny anteater" is often used interchangeably with the scientific name or the order when discussing evolutionary traits.
  • The reproductive system of the spiny anteater provides key insights into early mammalian evolution.

Variants and Related Words

• Echidna (n): The more common scientific name for the spiny anteater.
  • There are several species of echidna.
• Monotreme (n): The biological order of egg-laying mammals, which includes the spiny anteater and the platypus.
  • The platypus and the spiny anteater are both monotremes.

Synonyms

• Echidna: The direct synonym, used in both common and scientific language.
• Short-beaked echidna / Long-beaked echidna: Specific terms for different species of spiny anteater.

Related Phrases

• "Prickly as a spiny anteater": An informal simile describing something or someone that is difficult to approach or touch, either physically or in temperament.
  • After his bad day, he was as prickly as a spiny anteater.

Noun

1. a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to Australia
2. a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to New Guinea