numbat

noun

num·​bat ˈnəm-ˌbat 

plural -s

: a small Australian marsupial (Myrmecobius fasciatus of the family Myrmecobiidae) that has a reddish-brown coat with white stripes on the back, a pointed snout, and a long slender tongue used to feed chiefly on termites

called also banded anteater

Word History

Etymology

native name in Australia

First Known Use

circa 1845, in the meaning defined above

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