tenrec

noun

ten·​rec ˈten-ˌrek How to pronounce tenrec (audio)
: any of numerous small often spiny mammalian insectivores (family Tenrecidae) chiefly of Madagascar

Examples of tenrec in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The tailless tenrec of Madagascar has litters of up to 32, according to the IUCN, while the naked mole rat has an average of 28. Liz Langley, National Geographic, 8 Apr. 2017

Word History

Etymology

French, from Malagasy tàndraka

First Known Use

circa 1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tenrec was circa 1785

Dictionary Entries Near tenrec

Cite this Entry

“Tenrec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenrec. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on tenrec

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!