Caenolestes

noun

Cae·​no·​les·​tes

ˌsēnəˈle(ˌ)stēz,

ˌkīn-

: a genus (the type of the family Caenolestidae) of small carnivorous diprotodont marsupials comprising the shrew opossums

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from caen- + Greek lēistēs robber; akin to Latin lucrum gain

First Known Use

circa 1895, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!