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solenodon
[ suh-lee-nuh-don, -len-uh- ]
/ səˈli nəˌdɒn, -ˈlɛn ə- /
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noun
either of two insectivores of the genus Solenodon, resembling a large shrew and having small eyes, a long and pointy snout, and a scaly tail, including the coarse-haired, reddish-brown to grayish-black S. paradoxus of Hispaniola and the finer-haired, usually darker S. cubanus of Cuba: S. paradoxus is an endangered species; S. cubanus is rare and possibly endangered.
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Origin of solenodon
First recorded in 1830–40; from New Latin, from Greek sōlḗn “channel, pipe, syringe” + -odōn “-toothed”; see -odont
Words nearby solenodon
solemnly, Solemn Mass, solemn vow, solenette, solenocyte, solenodon, solenogaster, solenoid, solenoidal, Solent, soleplate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use solenodon in a sentence
The occurrence of one aberrant group (Solenodon) in the West Indies is, however, noteworthy.
The other is a peculiar insectivore (Solenodon paradoxus), the only other representatives of whose family are found in Madagascar.
British Dictionary definitions for solenodon
solenodon
/ (səˈlɛnədən) /
noun
either of two rare shrewlike nocturnal mammals of the Caribbean, Atopogale cubana (Cuban solenodon) or Solenodon paradoxus (Haitian solenodon), having a long hairless tail and an elongated snout: family Solenodontidae, order Insectivora (insectivores)
Word Origin for solenodon
C19: from New Latin, from Latin sōlēn sea mussel, razor-shell (from Greek: pipe) + Greek odōn tooth
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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