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Glite Dictionary
tenrec

tenrec

1 9.9
A small spiny animal from Madagascar that looks like a hedgehog
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛnˌrɛk/
translation icon : tenrec
  • In Madagascar, a tenrec can be seen foraging for insects in the underbrush.
  • hedgehog tenrec
  • lesser hedgehog tenrec

Examples

  • The main source of protein is provided by small, hedgehog-like animals (tenrec, sora, tanbotriky).

    Academic text (1991)

  • The tenrec is a small, spiny mammal that is native to Madagascar.

  • The lesser hedgehog tenrec has a body covered with sharp spines for protection against predators.

Synonyms

tendrac
vstenrec
9.9

A small spiny animal from Madagascar that eats insects and looks like a hedgehog

is the standard or more accepted spelling rather than the variant form

Compounds

genus Tenrec
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small mammals from Madagascar called tenrecs

tailless tenrec
  • Specialized
9.9

A small mammal from Madagascar with no tail that eats worms

Tenrec ecaudatus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small mammal from Madagascar that eats earthworms and breeds quickly

Surface Forms

tenrec singular
tenrecs plural

Etymology

Tenrec comes from a Malagasy 'local name' for the animal from Madagascar. It refers to a small, often spiny, insect-eating mammal like a hedgehog, so the name helps you remember this unique Madagascar creature.