noun
echidna
ih-KID-nuh/ɪˈkɪdnə/
A spiny egg-laying mammal native to Australia and New Guinea.
The echidna walks across dry ground on its sturdy, clawed feet.
Etymology
The name's origin is disputed. The source favors a reference to the mythical serpent-nymph Echidna: her mixed human and serpent form may have suggested the animal's puzzling mixture of characteristics.
In context
Echidna biologists didn't previously know the they will actually um move their quills around which is really cool so their spines they when they're kind of tight to their body they they hold in heat
More examples
- Unlike most mammals, echidnas lay eggs.
- The echidna's sharp spines help protect it from predators.
- We spotted an echidna beside the trail in Australia.
Forms
echidna · echidnas
Similar words
- spiny anteater
- Another name for an echidna, emphasizing its appearance and feeding.