Pangolin

Pronunciation: /ˈpæŋɡəlɪn/

Definitions of pangolin

noun A mammal of the order Pholidota native to Africa and Asia, having a body covered with large, overlapping scales and a long sticky tongue for catching ants and termites.

Example Sentences

A1 A pangolin is a small mammal with scales.

A2 Pangolins are nocturnal animals that primarily eat ants and termites.

B1 The pangolin is often referred to as a 'scaly anteater' due to its diet.

B2 Pangolins are highly sought after for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine.

C1 Conservation efforts are being made to protect pangolins from illegal poaching and trafficking.

C2 The pangolin is considered one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, facing extinction if action is not taken.

Examples of pangolin in a Sentence

formal The pangolin is a unique mammal covered in scales.

informal I saw a cute pangolin at the zoo yesterday.

slang That pangolin is totally rad!

figurative Her tough exterior was like a pangolin's scales, protecting her from harm.

Grammatical Forms of pangolin

• past tense: pangolined
• plural: pangolins
• comparative: more pangolin
• superlative: most pangolin
• present tense: pangolins
• future tense: will pangolin
• perfect tense: have pangolined
• continuous tense: is pangolining
• singular: pangolin
• positive degree: pangolin
• infinitive: to pangolin
• gerund: pangolining
• participle: pangolining

Origin and Evolution of pangolin

First Known Use: 1791 year

Language of Origin: Malay

Story behind the word: The word 'pangolin' is derived from the Malay word 'pengguling', which means 'one who rolls up'.

Evolution of the word: The term 'pangolin' was first used in English in 1791 to describe the unique mammal known for its protective keratin scales and ability to roll into a ball for defense.