Dictionary
echidna
noun echid·na \i-ˈkid-nə\
Definition of ECHIDNA
: a spiny-coated toothless burrowing nocturnal monotreme mammal (Tachyglossus aculeatus) of Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea that has a long extensible tongue and long heavy claws and that feeds chiefly on ants; also : a related mammal (Zaglossus bruijni) of New Guinea having a longer snout and shorter spines
See echidna defined for kids ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of ECHIDNA
Origin of ECHIDNA
New Latin, from Latin, viper, from Greek — more at ophitic
First Known Use: 1832
Learn More About ECHIDNA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: Echidnidae ()Previous Word in the Dictionary: echeveriaAll Words Near: echidna
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up echidna? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).