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Glite Dictionary
Edentata

Edentata

1 9.9
A former group of mammals with few or no teeth, like anteaters, sloths and armadillos
  • noun
  • /ˌiːdɛnˈteɪtə/
  • Archaic
: Edentados
  • Many Edentata species are known for their unique adaptations.

Examples

  • The extinct giant ground sloths were members of the Edentata.

  • Scientists once grouped armadillos with anteaters under the Edentata order.

  • Recent genetic studies have led to the reclassification of animals formerly known as Edentata.

  • The Edentata group includes fascinating animals like sloths.

  • The armadillo is a member of the order Edentata, which includes mammals known for having few or no teeth.

  • Anteaters are fascinating animals within the former order of mammals called Edentata, characterized by their toothless adaptations.

  • In the classification of mammals, the Edentata order was traditionally thought to include sloths, armadillos, and anteaters.

Synonyms

Xenarthra
vsEdentata
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A group of mammals from Central and South America like armadillos, anteaters, and sloths

is a former taxonomic order noting few or no teeth replaced in modern classification

Surface Forms

Edentata singular
Edentatas plural

Morphology

Edentata = edentate (opaque) = e + dent + ata

Formed from classical Latin combining elements and a taxonomic plural ending; this formation is a learned scientific term rather than a productive modern English derivation.

Etymology

Edentata comes from Latin parts: e- meaning 'without' and dent meaning 'tooth', the same root you see in dentist. So Edentata literally names animals 'without teeth', which fits groups like anteaters and some sloths.