Anteater: meaning, definitions and examples

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anteater

 

[ ˈæntˌitər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

wild animal

An anteater is a mammal that has a long nose and tongue, which it uses to eat ants and termites.

Synonyms

ant bear, ant eater.

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Word Description / Examples
anteater

Used as the general and most accepted term for mammals that eat ants and termites. Suitable for scientific discussions, educational contexts, and general conversation.

  • The anteater uses its long tongue to catch ants from their nests.
  • At the zoo, we saw an anteater in the South American exhibit.
ant bear

Less commonly used term, often heard in British English. It refers specifically to the giant anteater and might be used in informal contexts or older literature.

  • An ant bear walked slowly across the savannah, searching for its next meal.
  • Many people are fascinated by the ant bear's long snout and tongue.
ant eater

A less common variation of the word 'anteater'. It might be used in more informal contexts or when trying to emphasize the animal's diet. This form is not as standard as 'anteater'.

  • That ant eater is fascinating; it can eat thousands of ants in a day.
  • Kids, do you know that the ant eater has no teeth?

Examples of usage

  • They have a specialized tongue that can reach up to 18 inches long.
  • Anteaters mainly live in Central and South America.
  • They are known for their long snouts and bushy tails.

Translations

Translations of the word "anteater" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tamanduá

🇮🇳 चींटीखानेवाला

🇩🇪 Ameisenbär

🇮🇩 trenggiling

🇺🇦 мурахоїд

🇵🇱 mrówkojad

🇯🇵 アリクイ

🇫🇷 fourmilier

🇪🇸 oso hormiguero

🇹🇷 karıncayiyen

🇰🇷 개미핥기

🇸🇦 آكل النمل

🇨🇿 mravenečník

🇸🇰 mravčiar

🇨🇳 食蚁兽

🇸🇮 mravljinčar

🇮🇸 mauraæta

🇰🇿 құмырсқажегіш

🇬🇪 ჭიანჭველაჭამია

🇦🇿 qarışqayeyən

🇲🇽 oso hormiguero

Etymology

The word 'anteater' originated in the late 17th century from the combination of 'ant' and 'eater', referring to the animal's diet of ants. Anteaters are native to Central and South America, where they play a crucial role in controlling insect populations.