rabbit bandicoot
- noun
- Australian
- The rabbit bandicoot is known for its large, leathery ears and burrowing habits.
Examples
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Unlike other marsupials, the rabbit bandicoot primarily forages at night.
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The rabbit bandicoot is native to Australia.
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Researchers are studying the habitat needs of rabbit bandicoots in Australia.
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I saw a rabbit bandicoot at the wildlife park.
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The rabbit bandicoot is known for its distinctive ears that resemble those of a rabbit.
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In Australia, the rabbit bandicoot can often be found in grassy areas where it digs burrows.
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Many wildlife enthusiasts travel to observe the rabbit bandicoot in its natural habitat.
Synonyms
A small marsupial active at night with long ears like a rabbit and a pointed snout from Australia
A small Australian animal with long ears like a rabbit
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun–noun compound is compositional: 'rabbit' modifies 'bandicoot' to indicate a bandicoot with rabbit-like features (leathery ears). Both constituents are literal and the modifier-head pattern is common cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the meaning without prior exposure.
Etymology
Rabbit bandicoot is named for its look: a bandicoot with long, leathery ears like a rabbit. So the name helps people picture this animal and is used for that 'species'.