English Lexicon

Armadillo

/ˌɑːr.məˈdɪl.oʊ/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #9500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A small to medium-sized mammal with a hard shell, belonging to the family Dasypodidae, native to the Americas.

    "The armadillo curled into a ball when it sensed danger."
  2. 2

    Any of several species of armadillos, particularly the nine-banded armadillo, known for its ability to roll into a ball.

    "In Texas, the nine-banded armadillo is a common sight along the roads."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Spanish word 'armadillo', which is a diminutive of 'armado' meaning 'armed', referring to the bony plates that cover the animal's body. The term entered English in the late 16th century from Spanish explorers encountering the creature in the Americas.

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