monotreme

/ˈmɑnəˌtrim/
IPA guide

Other forms: monotremes

Definitions of monotreme
  1. noun
    the most primitive mammals comprising the only extant members of the subclass Prototheria
    synonyms: egg-laying mammal
    see moresee less
    types:
    anteater, echidna, spiny anteater
    a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to Australia
    anteater, echidna, spiny anteater
    a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to New Guinea
    Ornithorhynchus anatinus, duck-billed platypus, duckbill, duckbilled platypus, platypus
    small densely furred aquatic monotreme of Australia and Tasmania having a broad bill and tail and webbed feet; only species in the family Ornithorhynchidae
    type of:
    prototherian
    primitive oviparous mammals found only in Australia and Tasmania and New Guinea
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Vocabulary lists containing monotreme

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