Aardvark

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈɑːd.vɑːk/
• US IPA: /ˈɑɹdËŒvɑɹk/, /ˈɑd.vÉ‘k/

Alternative forms

• aard-vark, erdvark

Origin

From Afrikaans aardvarken (obsolete), erdvark, from Afrikaans aarde ("earth"), (from Dutch, from Middle Dutch aerde) + Afrikaans vark ("pig"), (from Middle Dutch varken ("pig")).Early European colonists in South Africa noticed that the animal was similar to a pig, while "aarde" hints at the animal's habit of burrowing.

Full definition of aardvark

Noun

1. The nocturnal, insectivorous, burrowing, mammal , of the order Tubulidentata, somewhat resembling a pig, common in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa. First attested in the late 18^th c.''The aardvark burrows in the ground and feeds mostly on termites, which it catches with its long, slimy tongue.
2. (slang, particularly in the southeast US) A silly or credulous person who is prone to mistakes or blunders.I walked into the wrong bathroom like a total aardvark.

Synonyms

• (mammal) African anteater, antbear, ant bear or ant-bear, anteater, earth pig