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tamandua

tamandua

9.9
A small anteater from Central and South America with a long grasping tail and strong claws that eats insects
  • noun
  • /ˌtæmənˈduːə/
translation icon : tamandúa
  • The tamandua used its long tongue to extract ants from a hollow tree.

Examples

  • A tamandua relies on its strong claws to tear open insect nests.

  • During our hike in the rainforest, we spotted a tamandua climbing a branch.

  • The tamandua is known for its long snout.

  • Did you see the tamandua at the zoo?

  • A tamandua uses its prehensile tail to balance while climbing trees in search of insects.

  • While exploring the jungle, we were amazed to see a tamandua foraging for ants in the underbrush.

  • The unique shape of a tamandua allows it to easily dig into the nests of termites.

Synonyms

Tamandua tetradactyla
vstamandua
  • Specialized
9.9

A small anteater with a long grasping tail and four front claws that lives in South and Central American forests

is the common name that highlights insect diet rather than toothlessness
lesser anteater
vstamandua
  • US
8.8

A small animal that eats ants and uses its tail to hold branches in Central and South American tropical forests

focuses on insect diet rather than just physical descriptions

Compounds

Tamandua tetradactyla
  • Specialized
9.9

A small anteater with a long grasping tail and four front claws that lives in South and Central American forests

How Big

anteater
  • Australian
4.1
tamandua
9.9

Surface Forms

tamandua singular
tamanduas plural

Etymology

Tamandua comes from a native South American word tamanduá, which means 'ant-eater'. So a tamandua is a small anteater, a tree-climbing animal with a long tongue and strong claws that eats ants and termites.