armadillos
|ar-ma-dil-lo-s|
🇺🇸
/ˌɑrməˈdɪloʊz/
🇬🇧
/ˌɑː(r)məˈdɪləʊz/
(armadillo)
little armored mammal
Etymology
'armadillo' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'armadillo', where the diminutive suffix '-illo' meant 'little' and 'armado' meant 'armored'.
'armadillo' changed from Spanish 'armadillo' (a diminutive of 'armado') and ultimately traces back to Latin 'armatus' meaning 'armed', evolving into the English 'armadillo' via Spanish.
Initially, it literally meant 'little armored one', and over time it evolved into the common name for the armored mammal now called 'armadillo'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a nocturnal, burrowing mammal native to the Americas, characterized by leathery skin and bands of bony armor plates; members of the family Dasypodidae.
Armadillos often curl up or dig quickly when threatened, and armadillos are common in some parts of South America.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/15 20:37