tree shrew

noun

1. any of several insectivorous, arboreal mammals of the family Tupaiidae, of southern Asia and adjacent islands, resembling a squirrel and having a long snout.

tree shrew

noun

1. any of numerous small arboreal mammals of the family Tupaiidae and order Scandentia , of SE Asia, having large eyes and resembling squirrels

Word History and Origins

Origin of tree shrew¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

It is fairly certain that if the Tree-shrew is an enemy of butterflies in the wild state it is a discriminating one.

From Project Gutenberg

Finn further experimented with the tree-shrew or Tupaia (Tupaia ellioti), which feeds largely on insects.

From Project Gutenberg