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Glite Dictionary
Bradypus tridactylus

Bradypus tridactylus

9.9
A sloth from South America that has three long claws on each foot
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : perezoso de tres dedos
  • The Bradypus tridactylus moves so slowly that algae can grow on its fur.

Examples

  • The diet of Bradypus tridactylus mainly consists of leaves and fruits.

  • Researchers observed a Bradypus tridactylus hanging upside down from the rainforest canopy.

  • The Bradypus tridactylus is known for its slow movements.

  • Have you ever seen a Bradypus tridactylus in the wild?

  • Researchers observed a Bradypus tridactylus hanging upside down from the rainforest canopy.

  • The Bradypus tridactylus moves so slowly that algae can grow on its fur.

  • The diet of the Bradypus tridactylus mainly consists of leaves and fruits.

Surface Forms

Bradypus tridactylus singular
Bradypus tridactyluses plural

Morphology

Bradypus + tridactylus

This is a scientific Latin binomial composed of a genus name and an untranslated Latin epithet; an average B1 learner who knows the surface forms (a taxonomic genus and an unfamiliar Latin word) would not be able to derive 'three-toed sloth' from those constituents. Understanding the specific meaning requires knowledge of Latin roots or biological nomenclature beyond B1 vocabulary, so the compound is not transparently compositional for typical learners.

Etymology

Bradypus tridactylus comes from Greek words: Bradypus means 'slow foot' and tridactylus means 'three toes', so you can picture a very slow animal with three long claws on each foot. That's why the name fits this three-toed sloth.