aardvark
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Alternative forms [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Afrikaans aardvarken (obsolete), erdvark, from Afrikaans aarde (“earth”), (from Dutch, from Middle Dutch aerde) + Afrikaans vark (“pig”), (from Middle Dutch varken (“pig”)).Early European colonists in South Africa noticed that the animal was similar to a pig, while "aarde" hints at the animal's habit of burrowing.
Pronunciation [edit]
- (RP) IPA: /ˈɑːɹdˌvɑːɹk/, /ˈɑːd.vɑːk/, X-SAMPA: /":A(r\)d%vA:(r\)k/
- (US) IPA: /ˈɑɹdˌvɑɹk/, /ˈɑd.vɑk/, X-SAMPA: /"Ar\d%vAr\k/
Noun [edit]
aardvark (plural aardvarks)
- The nocturnal, insectivorous, burrowing, mammal Orycteropus afer, of the order Tubulidentata, somewhat resembling a pig, common in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa. [First attested in the late 18th c.]
- The aardvark burrows in the ground and feeds mostly on termites, which it catches with its long, slimy tongue.
- (slang, particularly in the southeast US) A silly or credulous person who is prone to mistakes or blunders.
- I walked into the wrong bathroom like a total aardvark.
Synonyms [edit]
Translations [edit]
mammal
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Afrikaans [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Dutch aarde (“earth, soil”) + varken (“pig”).
Noun [edit]
aardvark (plural aardvarke)
- Obsolete form of erdvark.
