tenrec

[ ten-rek ]

noun

1. any of several insectivorous mammals of the family Tenrecidae, of Madagascar, having a long, pointed snout, certain species of which are spiny and tailless.

tenrec

/ ˈtɛnrɛk /

noun

1. any small mammal, such as Tenrec ecaudatus ( tailless tenrec ), of the Madagascan family Tenrecidae, resembling hedgehogs or shrews: order Insectivora (insectivores)

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenrec¹

1720–30; < French < Malagasy tàndraka

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenrec¹

C18: via French from Malagasy tràndraka

Example Sentences

The two species are much smaller than the great tenrec, and spines are retained in the adult on the body.

From Project Gutenberg

In this family and in the tenrec most of the species are protected by spines implanted in the skin-muscle, or panniculus carnosus.

From Project Gutenberg

In the tenrec similarly situated glands discharge by pores opening at the bottom of deep pits.

From Project Gutenberg