Meaning & Definition of word "Anteater"
Anteater
/ˈæntiˌiːtər/
noun:
- 1. A mammal of the family Myrmecophagidae, known for its long snout and specialized tongue used for eating ants and termites.
- Example: The giant anteater is known for its distinctive long snout and large claws.
- 2. Any of several species of marsupials or insectivores that have similar feeding habits.
- Example: During our trip to the zoo, we saw a fascinating exhibit featuring a lesser anteater.
- 3. A person who eats a lot of ants or similar small insects, often used metaphorically.
- Example: He was such an anteater when it came to cleaning out the ant hill in his backyard.
Etymology
●From Latin 'ante' meaning 'before' and 'edare' meaning 'to eat'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
anteater:
Refers to the actual animal.
beware of anteaters:
A humorous way to indicate excessive focus on details.
Related Words
mammal:
A warm-blooded vertebrate animal characterized by the presence of mammary glands.
termite:
A social insect that feeds on wood, often found in colonies.
Slang Meanings of anteater
Meaning: A person who is overly meticulous or detail-oriented.
● Example Sentence: Stop being such an anteater about the project; it's fine to make some choices!