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Glite Dictionary
unguiculate mammal

unguiculate mammal

9.9
A mammal with nails or claws instead of hooves
  • noun
  • /ˈʌŋɡwɪkjʊlɪt ˈmæməl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mamífero unguiculado
  • Primates, as unguiculate mammals, generally have flattened nails instead of claws.

Examples

  • Sloths are an example of an unguiculate mammal because they possess prominent claws.

  • The distinction between unguiculate mammals and ungulates is fundamental in mammalian classification.

  • The unguiculate mammal climbed the tree effortlessly.

  • Many unguiculate mammals are excellent climbers.

  • Many unguiculate mammals, such as monkeys and apes, use their nails to grasp branches while climbing.

  • Sloths, which are unguiculate mammals, have specialized claws that help them cling to trees.

  • Primates, classified as unguiculate mammals, typically have flattened nails suited for gripping.

Synonyms

unguiculate
vsunguiculate mammal
  • Specialized
9.9

A mammal with nails or claws

points out the contrast with animals that have hooves

Antonyms

hoofed mammal
3.9

A mammal that has hooves like a horse or deer

Surface Forms

unguiculate mammal singular
unguiculate mammals plural

Morphology

unguiculate + mammal

The adjective 'unguiculate' means 'having or resembling claws or nails', so 'unguiculate mammal' compositionally denotes a mammal with claws or nails rather than hooves. The phrase is literal and non-idiomatic, so a learner who knows both constituent meanings can derive the overall meaning.

Etymology

Unguiculate mammal comes from a word that means 'nail' or 'claw'. It therefore names a mammal that has nails or claws instead of 'hooves'.