Edentates

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of mammals characterized by a lack of functional teeth, often including anteaters and sloths
2. A classification of animals known for their unique feeding adaptations and reduced dentition
3. Mammals with distinct anatomical features, notably their absence of teeth, adapted to specific ecological niches

Etymology: "Edentates" is the plural of "edentate", a noun for the group of mammals that includes sloths, anteaters and armadillos. The singular was borrowed from New Latin "edentatus", meaning "toothless", formed from Latin "e-" (out of, without) and "dens" (tooth), the same root that gives English "dental" and "dentist". The name is a little misleading, since few members of the group are fully toothless: anteaters have no teeth at all, but sloths and armadillos have simple peg-like teeth or none in places, and the group was named for the absence of proper enamel-covered teeth.

Synonyms: anteaters, sloths, armadillos