bettong

[ buh-tawng, -tong ]

noun

1. any of several marsupials of the genus Bettongia, of Australia and nearby regions, comprising the short-nosed rat-kangaroos, characterized by short, rounded ears, long hind feet, and a naked muzzle tip: all four species are endangered.

bettong

/ bɛˈtɒŋ /

noun

1. a species of rat kangaroo of Australia having a short nose

Word History and Origins

Origin of bettong¹

First recorded in 1830–40, bettong is from the Dharuk word ba-daŋ

Word History and Origins

Origin of bettong¹

C19: from a native Australian language

Example Sentences

One of these animals, known as the brush-tailed bettong, puts its tail to a most curious use.

From Project Gutenberg