| 释义 |
echidna /ɪˈkɪdnə /nounA spiny insectivorous egg-laying mammal with a long snout and claws, native to Australia and New Guinea. Also called spiny anteater.- Family Tachyglossidae, order Monotremata: two genera and species.
The platypus and the echidna - a nocturnal, burrowing mammal with a spiny coat, long claws, and no teeth - are the only known living members of a type of animal known as monotremes....- These exotic egg-laying animals are represented by just three species: the duck-billed platypus and two echidnas.
- Unlike platypuses, echidnas lack webbing and instead have large, shovel-like claws are present on all feet.
Origin Mid 19th century: modern Latin, from Greek ekhidna 'viper', also the name of a mythical creature which gave birth to the Hydra; compare with ekhinos 'sea urchin, hedgehog'. |