tatu

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The word "tatu" is a noun that refers to a type of animal known as an armadillo, which is about three feet long, not including its tail. Armadillos are small to medium-sized mammals that have a protective shell covering their bodies. They are often found in warm regions like the southern United States and parts of Central and South America.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "tatu" when you want to refer specifically to the armadillo, especially in contexts where you might be discussing wildlife or animals.
• Note that "tatu" is not as commonly used in everyday English as "armadillo," but you may encounter it in specific regions or in discussions about wildlife.

Example:

• "The tatu rolled into a ball when it felt threatened."

Advanced Usage:

In some cultures, "tatu" may also refer to the animal in a more specific or localized way. For example, in some regions of Latin America, "tatu" can refer to various species of armadillos.

Word Variants:

• The plural form is "tatus" when referring to multiple armadillos.
• The scientific name for the common armadillo is "Dasypus novemcinctus."

Different Meanings:

• In certain contexts, "tatu" can also refer to tattooing, especially in some languages, but this is not the primary meaning in English.

Synonyms:

• Armadillo (the more commonly used term in English).
• In some regions, the term "tatu" might also be used interchangeably with "dasyurid" when discussing the broader family of marsupials, but this is less common.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no well-known idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "tatu," but you might hear expressions about "coming out of your shell," which can metaphorically relate to the protective nature of the armadillo.

Summary:

The word "tatu" refers specifically to a type of armadillo that is about three feet long, exclusive of its tail.

Academic

Noun

1. about three feet long exclusive of tail

Synonyms

• giant armadillo
• tatou
• Priodontes giganteus