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rabbit bandicoot

rabbit bandicoot

9.9
A small Australian animal that carries its babies in a pouch with large leathery ears like a rabbit
  • noun
  • Australian
translation icon : bandicut conejo
  • The rabbit bandicoot is known for its large, leathery ears and burrowing habits.

Examples

  • Unlike other marsupials, the rabbit bandicoot primarily forages at night.

  • The rabbit bandicoot is native to Australia.

  • Researchers are studying the habitat needs of rabbit bandicoots in Australia.

  • I saw a rabbit bandicoot at the wildlife park.

  • The rabbit bandicoot is known for its distinctive ears that resemble those of a rabbit.

  • In Australia, the rabbit bandicoot can often be found in grassy areas where it digs burrows.

  • Many wildlife enthusiasts travel to observe the rabbit bandicoot in its natural habitat.

Synonyms

bilby
vsrabbit bandicoot
  • Australian
1 9.9

A small marsupial active at night with long ears like a rabbit and a pointed snout from Australia

highlights ear shape like a rabbit rather than nocturnal habit or snout
rabbit-eared bandicoot
vsrabbit bandicoot
  • Australian
9.9

A small Australian animal with long ears like a rabbit

is identical in meaning but spelled without a hyphen

Surface Forms

Morphology

rabbit + bandicoot

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'.