Word Study
echidna
CIDE DICTIONARY
echidna, n. [L., a viper, adder, Gr. 'e`chidna.].
- A monster, half maid and half serpent. [1913 Webster]
- A genus of
Monotremata found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. They are toothless and covered with spines; -- called alsoporcupine ant-eater , andAustralian ant-eater . [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
echidna, n. any of several egg-laying pouch-bearing mammals native to Australia and New Guinea, with a covering of spines, and having a long snout and long claws. Also called spiny anteater.
Etymology
mod.L f. Gk ekhidna viper
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