talpid
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9.9
- noun
- /ˈtæl.pɪd/
- Specialized
:
topo
- A talpid emerged from its burrow, searching for insects in the cool evening air.
Examples
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The talpid was digging tunnels in the garden, leaving soft piles of earth behind.
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The biologist studied the talpid to learn more about its underground habits.
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A rare species of talpid was discovered in the remote forest region.
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Farmers sometimes encounter a talpid while digging in their fields.
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The talpid is known for its burrowing habits.
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Many talpids can be found in North America.
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A talpid scuttled past, stopping occasionally to slurp up a few caterpillars with its soft mouth.
Synonyms
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1.0
A small burrowing animal with soft fur and strong front feet for digging
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9.9
A small mole from eastern North America with soft fur that lives mostly underground
A small North American mole that lives underground
A North American mole with a star-shaped nose that helps it feel and find food quickly
A small mole with a long pointed snout that lives underground and eats insects
A small burrowing animal with a long nose and tail that digs with strong front feet
Surface Forms
Morphology
talpid = mole (opaque) = talp + id
As a noun denoting a member of the Talpidae, the formation uses a Latin stem and the taxonomic suffix -id, which is not transparently analyzable by average learners.
Etymology
A talpid comes from the Latin talpa, meaning 'mole'. So a talpid is a small burrowing mammal like a mole or a close relative.