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Glite Dictionary
Priodontes giganteus

Priodontes giganteus

9.9
A very large armadillo from South America that grows about one metre long without the tail
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Priodontes giganteus
  • The Priodontes giganteus is the largest armadillo species found in South America.

Examples

  • The shell of Priodontes giganteus provides excellent protection against predators.

  • Researchers observed a Priodontes giganteus foraging for insects in the rainforest.

  • The Priodontes giganteus is the largest species of armadillo.

  • Have you ever seen a Priodontes giganteus in the wild?

  • A Priodontes giganteus can weigh up to 100 pounds and is known for its powerful legs.

  • In the Amazon rainforest, the Priodontes giganteus primarily feeds on ants and termites.

  • The Priodontes giganteus has a unique armor-like shell that helps it withstand attacks from predators.

Synonyms

giant armadillo
vsPriodontes giganteus
  • US
1 7.3

A very large animal with a hard shell from South America that grows about three feet long

is the scientific Latin name for the same species
Priodontes
vsPriodontes giganteus
  • Specialized
9.9

A giant armadillo that lives in South America

is one species in the genus rather than the genus as a whole

How Big

Priodontes giganteus
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

Priodontes giganteus singular
Priodontes gigantei plural

Morphology

Priodontes + giganteus

This is a Linnaean binomial combining the genus name 'Priodontes' (a genus of large armadillos) with the Latin adjective 'giganteus' (meaning 'giant' or very large). If a B1 learner knows both constituents, the overall meaning 'a very large species of Priodontes/armadillo' is directly inferable from the parts; the genus+adjective pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically familiar in scientific names.

Etymology

Priodontes giganteus comes from old Greek and Latin words: Priodontes may mean 'saw-toothed' and giganteus means 'giant'. So the name gives the picture of a very large armadillo and helps you remember it is the biggest armadillo in South America.