What does tamandua mean?
A tamandua is a medium-sized anteater belonging to the genus Tamandua and found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. Two living species are generally recognized: the greater tamandua and the lesser tamandua. Tamanduas have elongated snouts, small heads, strong curved claws, and a long tail that can grasp branches. They spend much of their time in trees, where they feed principally on ants and termites, using their enlarged foreclaws to open nests. The word is also useful as a precise zoological term because, although it belongs to the broader group called anteaters, it distinguishes the Tamandua genus from the giant and silky anteaters. In wildlife descriptions, 'tamandua' therefore communicates more than the general label 'anteater' while remaining less specific than naming one of the two recognized species.
nounA member of the genus Tamandua, a group of medium-sized, mainly arboreal anteaters native to Central and South America. The genus includes the greater tamandua and the lesser tamandua.
- A medium-sized anteater of the genus Tamandua, native to tropical forests of Central and South America.
"The lesser tamandua climbed the tree with the aid of its curved claws and prehensile tail."
"Researchers tracked a lesser tamandua moving through the canopy at dusk."
"The greater tamandua is distinguished from its smaller relative by having a larger and more conspicuous dark vest."
Used when referring to more than one animal of the genus Tamandua.
"Two tamanduas were observed feeding in separate trees."
With a prehensile tail and a remarkably long snout, the tamandua is a tree-dwelling specialist in ants and termites.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tamandua come from?
The English word comes through Portuguese tamanduá from Tupi, the Indigenous language and peoples of the Amazon region. The precise internal history and original meaning of the Tupi term are not sufficiently clear to state confidently, but the Portuguese form became established as the zoological name for these animals.
How tamandua is actually used
In English, 'tamandua' normally refers to one of the two species of the genus Tamandua. The broader term 'anteater' should not be used as though it were strictly interchangeable when referring to other anteater species.
Easily confused with tamandua
A tamandua is specifically a member of the genus Tamandua, whereas anteater is a broader common name that also includes the giant anteater and silky anteater.