‖ Echidna Zool.
(ɪˈkɪdnə)
[mod.L., a. Gr. ἔχιδνα viper.]
A genus of Australian toothless burrowing monotremate mammals (family Echidnidæ), resembling hedgehogs in size and external appearance. In several points their structure is allied to that of birds. The best known species is E. Hystrix, the Porcupine Ant-eater.
| 1847 Carpenter Zool. §320 The Echidna, or Porcupine Ant-eater..is about the size and form of a Hedgehog. |