This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
tenrec
[ ten-rek ]
/ ˈtɛn rɛk /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
any of several insectivorous mammals of the family Tenrecidae, of Madagascar, having a long, pointed snout, certain species of which are spiny and tailless.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Also tanrec.
Origin of tenrec
1720–30; <French <Malagasy tà ndraka
Words nearby tenrec
ten percenter, tenpin, tenpin bowling, tenpins, tenpounder, tenrec, TENS, Tensas, tense, tensegrity, tense logic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use tenrec in a sentence
The two species are much smaller than the great tenrec, and spines are retained in the adult on the body.
In this family and in the tenrec most of the species are protected by spines implanted in the skin-muscle, or panniculus carnosus.
In the tenrec similarly situated glands discharge by pores opening at the bottom of deep pits.
British Dictionary definitions for tenrec
tenrec
/ (ˈtɛnrɛk) /
noun
any small mammal, such as Tenrec ecaudatus (tailless tenrec), of the Madagascan family Tenrecidae, resembling hedgehogs or shrews: order Insectivora (insectivores)
Word Origin for tenrec
C18: via French from Malagasy trà ndraka
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012