pangolin

American  

[pang-guh-lin, pang-goh-] / ˈpæŋ gə lɪn, pæŋˈgoʊ- /

noun

1. any mammal of the order Pholidota, of Africa and tropical Asia, having a covering of broad, overlapping, horny scales and feeding on ants and termites.

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pangolin British  

/ pæŋˈɡəʊlɪn /

noun

1. Also called: scaly anteater.  any mammal of the order Pholidota found in tropical Africa, S Asia, and Indonesia, having a body covered with overlapping horny scales and a long snout specialized for feeding on ants and termites

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Etymology

Origin of pangolin

1765–75; < Malay pengguling (dial. or bazaar Malay name for the animal) one who rolls up, equivalent to peng- agentive prefix + guling roll up or around; so called from its habit of curling into a ball when threatened

Explanation

A pangolin is an animal also known as a "scaly anteater." Though they're endangered, pangolins can still be found in parts of Africa, China, Southeast Asia, and India. Pangolins are distinctive for their scaly skin and the way they react to threats by curling up into a ball. Though they appear to be covered in large scales, pangolins aren't reptiles, and in fact, their skin is very different from reptilian scales; it's made of keratin, the same material that makes up our fingernails. Pangolins are sometimes described as resembling pinecones, particularly when the animals roll into a protective ball. The name pangolin comes from the Malay peng-goling, "roller."

Example Sentences

Pangolins are endangered and it is illegal to trade them.

From Washington Times • Aug. 17, 2023

Six African rats completed their first trial working in the field in March, spending a month at a port in Tanzania where they were tasked with detecting smuggled goods, including Pangolins.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2023

Pangolins, an endangered mammal identified as a potential intermediary species for SARS-CoV-2, remain a major prize.

From Reuters • Apr. 1, 2021

Pangolins came under suspicion, but were not listed in the Huanan market, although that does not prove they were not there.

From The Guardian • Dec. 12, 2020

The Pangolins live on ants, which they catch by thrusting their long slender tongues into the midst of their prey, their tongues being covered by a gummy saliva to which the ants adhere.

From Natural History in Anecdote Illustrating the nature, habits, manners and customs of animals, birds, fishes, reptiles, etc., etc., etc. by Various