noun
A small insectivorous mammal native to Madagascar, different kinds of which resemble hedgehogs, shrews, or small otters.
Several genera in the family Tenrecidae: many species
‘Afrotheria is a newly recognized taxon comprising elephants, hyraxes, sea cows, aardvarks, golden moles, tenrecs, and elephant shrews.’- ‘Even comprehensive analyses have not clarified phylogenetic relationships among aardvarks, tenrecs, golden moles, and elephant shrews.’
- ‘Small, spiny, pointy-nosed creatures known as tenrecs are the equivalents of shrews, moles and hedgehogs.’
- ‘Among mammals, the carnivores, primates, and tenrecs all have fairly well-established African connections.’
- ‘The dental formula of tenrecs varies considerably among species, reflecting the diversity of the group.’
Origin
Late 18th century from French tanrec, from Malagasy tàndraka.
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