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Glite Dictionary
Tasmanian devil

Tasmanian devil

2 6.2
A small fierce animal from Tasmania that carries its young in a pouch and eats meat
  • noun
  • /ˌtæzˈmeɪniən ˈdɛvəl/
  • Australian
translation icon : diablo de Tasmania
  • The Tasmanian devil has been listed as an endangered species.

And despite their ferocious appearance, Tasmanian devils are actually quite adorable little animals.

Examples

  • Tasmanian devils are facing a devilish disease that could wipe them out within decades.

    Blog text (8)

  • The Tasmanian devil is known for its fierce temperament and scavenging habits.

  • And despite their ferocious appearance, Tasmanian devils are actually quite adorable little animals.

    TED-Ed

  • Tasmanian devils are the largest carnivorous marsupials in the animal kingdom and are known primarily for their incredible ferocity when feeding.

    Blog text (20)

  • In Tasmania, the Tasmanian devil is a unique marsupial that plays a vital role in the ecosystem.

  • Researchers study the Tasmanian devil to learn more about its nocturnal behavior and diets.

Synonyms

Sarcophilus harrisii
vsTasmanian devil
  • Specialized
9.9

A small fierce animal from Tasmania that eats meat and has black fur and a long tail

is identical in meaning but presented as a scientific name
dasyurid
vsTasmanian devil
  • Australian
9.9

A small meat-eating marsupial active at night in Australia and Tasmania

is a specific species rather than a whole family

Surface Forms

Tasmanian devil singular
Tasmanian devils plural

Morphology

Tasmanian + devil

The compound is compositionally built from 'Tasmanian' (from Tasmania) and 'devil' (a demonic or fierce being), so a B1 learner who knows both words would likely infer it denotes something from Tasmania associated with fierceness—probably an animal or fierce creature. However, the precise meaning (a specific small carnivorous marsupial) and taxonomic details are not directly derivable from the parts, so the relation is only partially predictable without prior exposure.

Etymology

Tasmanian devil got its name from early European settlers who heard its loud, frightening screeches and watched it eat fiercely; they called it a devil because of those noises and angry looks, and it lived only in Tasmania, so the name stuck. So, Tasmanian devil now means the small, fierce, meat-eating animal that carries its young in a pouch from that island.