Definition for: aardvark

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English

Etymology

Afrikaans, from aarde , earth, and vark , pig; hence "earth-pig". Early European colonists in South Africa noticed that the animal was similar to a pig, while "aarde" hints at the animal's habit of burrowing. The word was loaned from Afrikaans in the late 18th century.

Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ɑːdvɑːk/

Alternative spellings

• aard-vark ( plural: aard-varks )

Noun

aardvark ( plural aardvarks )

1. ( zoology ) A mammal, Orycteropus afer , of the order Tubulidentata , somewhat resembling a pig, common in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It burrows in the ground, and feeds mostly on termites, which it catches with its long, slimy tongue.

Synonyms

• African anteater ( scientific ), earth pig ( common name ), ant bear or ant-bear ( alternative common name; also used for the giant anteater ), anteater ( a more general common name for different species including the aardvark )

Translations

Afrikaans

Noun

aardvark

1. ( obsolete ) aardvark

Usage notes

This word is obsolete; the extant form is erdvark.

Other Translations for "aardvark"

Braille 6 Dot
Braille 8 Dot
Sign Language Spelling
Morse Code		aardvark
Hex		e1 e1 72 e4 f6 e1 72 eb
Pig Latin		aardvarkway

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