How Do You Spell ANT-EATER?

Pronunciation: [ˈantˈiːtə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "ant-eater" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈænt.iː.tə(r)/. The first syllable represents the sound /æ/ as in "cat," the second syllable includes the long vowel sound /iː/ as in "bee," and the final syllable has the consonant cluster /tər/ as in "motor." This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of this animal that is known for its long snout and appetite for ants.

ANT-EATER Meaning and Definition

  1. An ant-eater is a mammal native to Central and South America, belonging to the family Myrmecophagidae. It is characterized by its long, slender body, sharp claws, and elongated snout specifically adapted for its diet of ants and termites. The term "ant-eater" is commonly used to refer to various species within this family.

    Ant-eaters are well-known for their unique feeding behavior, as they primarily subsist on a diet of ants and termites. Their long, tubular snout allows them to easily stick their tongue into ant hills or termite mounds, collecting the insects effortlessly. The tongue is covered in sticky saliva, enabling the ant-eater to rapidly consume large quantities of insects.

    These creatures possess powerful forelimbs with sharp, curved claws specially designed for digging up ant nests or opening termite mounds. They have no teeth, but their muscular stomachs grind the ingested insects, aiding in digestion. Ant-eaters are generally solitary animals, preferring a solitary lifestyle except during mating season.

    Their distinctive physical characteristics, including their slender bodies, bushy tails, and prominent ears, contribute to their exceptional adaptation for life in forested habitats. Ant-eaters are predominantly nocturnal, being more active during the night and staying hidden in dense vegetation during the day to protect themselves from potential predators.

    Overall, the ant-eater plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations, particularly ants and termites. While some species, like the giant anteater, face endangerment due to habitat destruction, efforts are being made to preserve these fascinating creatures and their unique ecological contribution.

  2. A quadruped, having a long snout or muzzle and long tongue, which feeds upon ants.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ANT-EATER

  • znt-eater
  • snt-eater
  • wnt-eater
  • qnt-eater
  • abt-eater
  • amt-eater
  • ajt-eater
  • aht-eater
  • anr-eater
  • anf-eater
  • ang-eater
  • any-eater
  • an6-eater
  • an5-eater
  • ant0eater
  • antpeater
  • ant-water
  • ant-sater
  • ant-dater

Etymology of ANT-EATER

The term "ant-eater" originated from the combination of the words "ant" and "eater".

The word "ant" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled as "ǣmette" or "ǣmete". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*ēmaitijǭ", which means "ant" or "insect". This ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*méh₁tēr", meaning "cutter" or "biter".

The word "eater" comes from the Old English verb "étan", which means "to eat". This verb is also derived from the Proto-Germanic language, specifically from the word "*etaną" or "*etanan", with the same meaning.

Plural form of ANT-EATER is ANT-EATERS

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: