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aardvark

(ärd′värk′)

noun

a large, burrowing, nocturnal S African mammal (Orycteropus afer, order Tubulidentata) that feeds on ants and termites: it is squat and heavy with a long, sticky tongue and a long head ending in a round, piglike snout

Origin: obs. Afrik, earth pig < Du aarde, earth + vark, pig, pork

See aardvark in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A burrowing mammal (Orycteropus afer) of southern Africa, having a stocky, hairy body, large ears, a long tubular snout, and powerful digging claws.

Origin:

Origin: Obsolete Afrikaans

Origin: : aarde, earth (from Middle Dutch aerde; see er-² in Indo-European roots)

Origin: + vark, pig (from Middle Dutch varken; see porko- in Indo-European roots)

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